Tivoli Historical Society, Incorporated

National Preservation Month Spotlight

Tivoli Historical Society, Incorporated was established in November 2009.  Tivoli Historical Society is a non-profit organization whose initial purpose and scope was to address the critical needs of youth in the community.  Simultaneously, Tivoli Historical Society, as denoted by our very name, is also committed to preserving the history of the Tivoli School for posterity.  The Tivoli School, first called The DeFuniak Springs School for Coloreds, was established in 1912 by the Black Community of DeFuniak Springs in conjunction with the Rosenwald Foundation.  

 Tivoli Historical Society celebrated the grand opening of the Tivoli Museum on Saturday, October 11, 2011.  Tivoli Historical Society was subsequently notified by President Eddie Williamson regarding transfer of ownership of the Historic Tivoli Gym to our organization at a regular meeting on August 24, 2016.  We have accumulated a wealth of artifacts, documents, photos, memorabilia, school records, personal testimonials, and other items for use in our museum.  Parallel preservation of the Tivoli Gym continues.  Upon completion, the restored gym will be an asset that allows Tivoli Historical Society to provide programs inherent to Tivoli and its community including healthful, recreational, educational, cultural, and civic activities for all ages and abilities, especially targeting critical needs of youth.

When we reopen, after gym renovations and COVID-19 hinderances, Tivoli Historical Society will continue events to include: a THS Annual Walk-A-Thon; Co-sponsorship of an Annual Black History Program/Parade/Celebration; a Miss Tivoli, Junior Miss Tivoli, Little Miss Tivoli, and Court Pageant; Grand Tivoli Reunions; and Friends of Tivoli, an on-going fundraiser.  Please note Tivoli is also recognized as a stop on the Florida Black Heritage Trail.  The community will be notified of upcoming events. 

Tivoli Historical Society is duly designated as a 501(c)(3) organization.  Should you desire to help our worthy cause, contributions will be appreciated and accepted at the following address:

            Tivoli Historical Society, Incorporated

            P.O. Box 1598

            DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435        

Happy National Historic Preservation Month!

Sincerely – Eddie Williamson, President