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American Beach National Historic Landmark Study
Southeast Regional Office » American Beach National Historic Landmark Study » Document List
The National Park Service (NPS) commissioned a National Historic Landmark (NHL) study of American Beach, a historic African American resort community on the Atlantic coast in north Florida, for possible NHL designation following a letter of inquiry received in 2021. The effort, expected to run through spring 2026, will evaluate the area's resources and identify what distinguishes American Beach from similar properties.
The African American Outdoor Recreation: A National Historic Landmarks Theme Study published by NPS in 2022 establishes a national historical context and includes a study list of existing African American outdoor recreation properties recommended for consideration of NHL designation. The community of American Beach was included in the NHL study list because it is a rare example of a segregated planned ocean beach resort established by Black professionals.
The NPS is responsible for helping to preserve and protect NHLs and works with preservation officials, private property owners, and other partners interested in nominating properties for NHL designation. The NPS has commissioned The NDN Companies, in cooperation with Stantec and Community Planning Collaborative, to prepare the nomination document. The effort involves public engagement, archival research, a field survey, photographic documentation, and Geographic Information Systems analysis.
The American Beach Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, and in 2003, the NPS assumed administrative control of NaNa Dune at American Beach. NHLs are nationally significant historic places designated by the Secretary of the Interior because they possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. The NHL nomination for American Beach will focus on its history and development as a vacation resort by and for Black professionals and their families.
Photo: View of "A Dune System Called 'Nana'" historical marker with the dune system in the background. NPS staff photo.
The African American Outdoor Recreation: A National Historic Landmarks Theme Study published by NPS in 2022 establishes a national historical context and includes a study list of existing African American outdoor recreation properties recommended for consideration of NHL designation. The community of American Beach was included in the NHL study list because it is a rare example of a segregated planned ocean beach resort established by Black professionals.
The NPS is responsible for helping to preserve and protect NHLs and works with preservation officials, private property owners, and other partners interested in nominating properties for NHL designation. The NPS has commissioned The NDN Companies, in cooperation with Stantec and Community Planning Collaborative, to prepare the nomination document. The effort involves public engagement, archival research, a field survey, photographic documentation, and Geographic Information Systems analysis.
The American Beach Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, and in 2003, the NPS assumed administrative control of NaNa Dune at American Beach. NHLs are nationally significant historic places designated by the Secretary of the Interior because they possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. The NHL nomination for American Beach will focus on its history and development as a vacation resort by and for Black professionals and their families.
Photo: View of "A Dune System Called 'Nana'" historical marker with the dune system in the background. NPS staff photo.