WATCH: Melbourne Founders Museum at Crane Creek Opens in Celebration of Black History Month

By Space Coast Daily // February 23, 2025

transporting visitors to the early 1920s when Melbourne thrived as a mill town

WATCH: In a significant tribute to Melbourne’s rich history, the Melbourne Founders Museum at Crane Creek officially opened its doors Saturday, coinciding with Black History Month. Located at 1001 Brothers Ave., the museum honors the city’s origins, highlighting the pivotal contributions of three Black freedmen—Wright Brothers, Peter Wright, and Balaam Allen—who established the original settlement of Crane Creek in 1867, now known as Melbourne.

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA—In a significant tribute to Melbourne’s rich history, the Melbourne Founders Museum at Crane Creek officially opened its doors Saturday, coinciding with Black History Month.

Located at 1001 Brothers Ave., the museum honors the city’s origins, highlighting the pivotal contributions of three Black freedmen—Wright Brothers, Peter Wright, and Balaam Allen—who established the original settlement of Crane Creek in 1867, now known as Melbourne.

The museum offers an immersive experience, transporting visitors to the early 1920s when Melbourne thrived as a mill town.

Exhibits include meticulously recreated rooms and artifacts from the era, such as a century-old Bible from the Greater Allen Chapel AME, the first Black church in the area.

Located at 1001 Brothers Ave., the Melbourne Founders Museum at Crane Creek honors the city’s origins, highlighting the pivotal contributions of three Black freedmen—Wright Brothers, Peter Wright, and Balaam Allen—who established the original settlement of Crane Creek in 1867, now known as Melbourne.

This sacred artifact symbolizes the deep-rooted faith and resilience of the community’s founders.

“I think it’s important that people understand and know those types of things about the city in which they live,” said James Shackleford, one of the museum’s creators, emphasizing the importance of preserving and sharing this history.

The establishment of the museum is a collaborative effort between the Greater Allen Development Corporation, a public charity, and Northrop Grumman.

Their partnership aims to educate the public about Melbourne’s founders and ensure their legacy endures for future generations.

In addition to the museum, the Concerned Citizens Committee of South Brevard, Inc. is spearheading the creation of a monument to honor the three founders. This initiative seeks to promote historical awareness and revitalize the surrounding area, transforming it into a vibrant community space.

The Melbourne Founders Museum at Crane Creek stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of its founders, offering residents and visitors alike a profound connection to the city’s storied past.

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