We’re looking forward to introducing you to Charlene Farrington. Check out our conversation below.
Charlene, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
The Spady House, which is home to the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum in Delray Beach, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026. This year, our museum team been raising funds for its continuation, and I have felt immense pride in my community, as I’ve seen friends from all walks show up to support us.
When my mother, Vera Farrington, gathered friends and allies to help her open the doors of the museum in 2001 — nearly 25 years ago — I’m certain she felt the same kind of pride. On June 17, 2025, the Delray Chamber of Commerce helped the museum raise funds and awareness by throwing a House Party to celebrate Juneteenth. Old and new friends attended the event.
Two days later, the museum was overrun with visitors to our Juneteenth Outdoor Installation, created by residents who wanted to be a part of our energy. Seeing the outpouring of interest and friendship made me very proud to be a part of this community. I feel hopeful that the Spady Museum and my mother’s legacy will continue, as long as we have this type of sustained support in our mission.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Much of my time is spent bringing community around Black History. As the director of the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, my energy is invested in sharing the legacy, contributions, artistic expression and culture of descendants of the African Diaspora with visitors who are curious to know more. I am simultaneously carrying forward the work of my mother, Vera Farrington, who, as a retired educator, recognized the need to preserve and share the history of her people AND I am building my own legacy of investment in our next generation of leaders.
Young people encourage me to do as much as I can to lift them up and be honest about our history, culture, and impact upon the world.
What makes the Spady Museum so unique is that it is the only free-standing, physical repository for African and African-American history in Palm Beach County at this time. We operate out of a historical home that was the residence of Solomon D. Spady, a Black educator who relocated to Palm Beach County to teach children of color. We often joke that his spirit and the spirit of his wife roam the museum, welcoming visitors with a warm feeling of friendship. They endorse our actions!
We are at a critical juncture now, where we need the community’s support and financial underwriting to continue our work. The Spady House will be 100 years old in 2026, but it does not feel like a century-old building. Instead, the museum and adjacent Williams Cottage are filled with constant energy and activities. Most notably, we are launching the second season of our Black History Education program, where students dedicate their extra time to learning lessons about African-American impact, art, music, influence, inventions, traditions and legacy, from people who are passionate about sharing this knowledge. I’m so excited about the expansive curriculum that will be offered through our program, beginning this fall.
The museum is actively recruiting for our next class of students, as well as holding fundraisers that celebrate “The House Still Stands”! After 25 years of providing exhibits, outreach, education and community, we are working to provide even more.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents, Charles and Vera Farrington, taught me the value of hard work, dedicating oneself to a mission or a cause that brings you pride and gives you a deep sense of purpose and belonging.
My father instilled in me the value of honesty and being forthright with your word. My mother is a hometown hero for being a visionary educator. She led by example and held everyone around her to the highest standards of responsibility and accountability. Although they are no longer physically with me, I feel their presence and live by their lessons everyday.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
I used to think educating Black people about Black history is most important but know I realize that educating all people about Black history, the part of our history story that has been left out, is much more important. The knowledge and appreciation for the contributions of Black people to America impacts the decisions we make as voting adults. More than anything we say to children, what they see us do is what educates our children.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m going to sound like a broken record — but that’s OK! (LOL!)
During the first season of our Black History Education program, parents would sometimes join their middle-school-age child during class, and WOW!
The parents were just as or even more engaged with the lessons. “Who were the queens and kings of ancient African civilizations?” Their hands shot up. “How did the Transatlantic Slave Trade flourish?” Their hands shot up. “Did Adolph Hitler actually refer to and follow the same psychological manipulation techniques used by American enslavers to control captive people?” Their hands shot up. “How did hip-hop music influence generations of Black, Brown, and eventually White people?” Their hands shot up.
I’m committed to sharing information. We crave it, as a society, as a people and as a culture. People remain curious about their origins, success stories and backgrounds. When we say that The Spady Museum brings people together around Black History, we really do just that. When knowledge and information are shared, it fosters respect, self-respect, admiration, collective understanding and awareness. No matter how long it takes, I will always work toward a greater understanding.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am definitely doing what I was born to do. I’m learning every day about my people, my community, my neighbors, my legacy and my place in it — and then I’m sharing what I know with others — so we can learn together.
Sometimes, it can be frustrating work; every day, it is inspiring work.
When I see a person’s eyes light up during a conversation, held within the walls of the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, I feel Mr. Spady, my mother and my father whisper, “Good job.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spadymuseum.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spadymuseum/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-farrington-79052a46/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpadyMuseum/#
- Youtube: @spadymuseum6118
Image Credits
MasterWing Creative Agency, 2023-2025
Spady Cultural Heritage Museum
Michelle Brown, 2025
