Bernice A. Russell

Our Founder

Bernice Andrews Russell

1923 - 1999

Bernice Russell was born in Marianna, Florida and was reared in Punta Gorda. She attended and graduated from the Baker Academy, Punta Gorda and graduated from high school in Ocala, Florida at Howard Academy. Mrs. Russell was a humanitarian, social activist, community leader and historian for the African American community.

Bernice Russell was an officer and/or member in the following organizations:

•                    Member of Sacred Heart Church

•                    Member of the Democratic Executive Board

•                    Vice Chair of the Punta Gorda Housing Authority

•                    Vice President of St. Vincent DePaul Conference

•                    President of the Guild of our Lady

•                    President of the Board of Directors of New Operation Cooper Street,

•                    Chair of the Nurturing Committee of Habitat for Humanity

•                    President of the Woman’s Coalition of South West Florida,

•                    President of D.N. McQueen Post #103 American Legion Auxiliary

•                    President of Charlotte County NAACP Branch

•                    Member of the Historic Preservation Board.

Bernice Russell has received numerous recognition awards for her community service including:

• Woman of the Year, Women’s Coalition of South West Florida, 1986,

• Charlotte County Head Start Award, 1991

• Volunteer of the Year, RSVP in 1995

• Certificate of Appreciation from the Charlotte County Board of Commissioners 1986,

• Certificate of Appreciation Award from the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, 1998

• Twenty years of Service Award, Punta Gorda Housing Authority 1997

• The Lifetime Service Proclamation City Council of Punta Gorda

• Woman of the Year Award Testimonial Dinner by the Punta Gorda Rotary Club 1996, Service Above Self

The Blanchard House Museum, established in 2004, was the vision of Bernice Russell. She felt it was important to document the history and contributions of African-Americans.