Plantation, Fla. (Black PR Wire) – The nation’s first Caribbean-American heritage museum welcomed members of the media, Caribbean-American leaders and the corporate community to a soft-launch opening Nov. 16. Now open at the Westfield Broward Mall in Plantation, Florida, Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, a new site of archives, events, resources and information, tells the comprehensive story of Caribbean and Caribbean-American societies, and facilitates small meetings, events and educational programs.

“PERFECTLY ALIGNED”

Board members, the organization’s leaders and volunteers have transformed what previously was a restaurant in the mall, into a modern heritage facility that accommodates both on-site and online experiences for guests and members. The museum, established through the support of donations, underwriters and volunteerism, is a project of Island SPACE, a Florida-based nonprofit.

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and GraceKennedy USA LLC (Grace Foods) demonstrated their support for the initiative with two-year underwriting commitments. Juliet Roulhac, director of Corporate External Affairs at FPL, presented a $20,000 check to Island SPACE.

“This initiative is perfectly aligned with our commitment to diversity and we are excited and proud to announce that the Caribbean-American music exhibit is powered by FPL,” Roulhac said.

Derrick Reckord and Donna Callender of Grace Foods presented a check for $10,000. “Our support for this museum makes sense, as we are committed to supporting our customers and communities, and it is with pride that we present this check to support the Culinary exhibit,” said Reckord.

This has been a true labor of love,” said Calibe Thompson, Island SPACE executive director, “we had a vision, a shoestring budget, and a great commitment from members of the diaspora, but certainly needed funds. Having these major corporations come alongside these efforts are critical to operations and sustainability.”

OPEN TO PUBLIC

The museum will be open to the public with no admission fees through January, from Thursdays through Sundays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The grand opening is scheduled for January with admissions of $10 per adult and $5 per child.

Community members are encouraged to get involved in the undertaking through volunteerism, donations, sponsorships and memberships. Donations in the form of artifacts from around the Caribbean are highly sought, and cash and in-kind contributions are needed. Donations in most cases are taxdeductible. To donate, volunteer, explore the online archives and/or receive more information, visit islandspacefl.org.