LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (WTXL) -- With the help of two Florida A&M University alumni, Walt Disney World is putting on display more than 400 years of African-American achievement and contributions.
"Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection," opened March 8 at the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot. The exhibit features an extensive collection of rare art, documents, books and artifacts amassed by philanthropists, and FAMU graduates, Bernard and Shirley Kinsey.
The exhibit has been on display throughout the United States, including Tallahassee's Mary Brogan Museum in 2009.
There will be at least 40 pieces on display at Epcot on a rotating basis.
"We always wanted to extend the reach of the Collection to a larger, more international and diverse audience," explained Bernard Kinsey. "So we are delighted to be collaborating with Disney to share the stories of our remarkable ancestors."
Overseeing the collection is the Kinseys' son, Khalil, whose school-age curiosity about the Kinsey family tree inspired his parents to build their collection.
According to a release from Disney, the exhibit - themed to hope, belief, courage, imagination and heritage - provides optimistic and empowering stories from American history from voices that are not commonly seen or heard. Art and artifacts pay homage to African-Americans who helped build and transform a nation. Their stories of determination and courage, from the nation's early days to the present, are at the heart of the exhibit.
