Eatonville 1887
Better Together
Eatonville 1887 is a storytelling tour sharing the history of our beloved communities Maitland and Eatonville, Florida.
Hungerford’s Hallowed Ground:
The Journey of the Land Back Movement
This short film tells the story of the historic Hungerford Trust in Eatonville, Florida—the oldest incorporated Black municipality in the United States. Once the site of the Robert Hungerford School, this land holds deep educational and cultural significance. The film follows the fight to protect and reclaim this sacred ground from erasure and development, highlighting a broader movement for justice, historical preservation, and the return of land held in trust for community empowerment. Through powerful storytelling and visual history, it reveals how the Land Back movement is not only about the past—but the future.
Directed, filmed, and edited by Eric Carden. Produced by Mignonne Fowlis.
Land Back
Historical Hungerford
Land Back is recognizing and bringing attention to the sensitive, historical land deal of the Hungerford property. In 1887, two decades after slavery, freed people incorporated to become the first black municipality. The Hungerford property was donated to this municipality by a white northerner, Charles Hungerford, and the town residents of Eatonville purchased additional acres. In the name of God and freedom, the land was then dedicated to educating the sons & daughters of slaves, with deed restrictions placed on the land to protect from predators who one day would want to take it by any means necessary. That day has come. We the friends of Eatonville are standing to make a wrong a right, and shining the lights of the economic injustice.
In God We Trust.
Meet Our Guides
Our walking tour guides are seasoned historians with over 30 years of expertise, as well as dedicated community leaders. They bring a unique blend of historical knowledge and local commitment to the Eatonville and Maitland communities.
John Beacham
Founder & Tour Expert
Walking Tour Curator
Maitland Eatonville Historian
Dr Scott French
Maitland & Eatonville Historian
Beth Landa
Tour Guides
Information Officer
Maitland–Eatonville Heritage Presenter
What People Are Saying
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Who knew what transpired 150 years ago in Maitland and Eatonville, just north of Orlando in Florida? Its story is a piece of local American history that you don’t learn about in school, but one that you can seek out later. You can learn that Lake Lily was originally called St. John’s hole, and that it nurtured freed slaves who squatted on its shores when they had few other options. You learn how a nearby plot of land was deeded by Captain Eaton, a northern abolitionist, to become Eatonville, a place where freed slaves could purchase homes in dignity and freedom. It’s a real story of America that you never really hear about, but you feel more at peace knowing, and seeing the places where it all happened.
Beth Landa
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John & Dr. French were excellent tour guides. They were well-versed in the history of the Maitland and Eatonville connection. I definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Orlando, Florida
Yukito
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Thank you so much for the tour of Eatonville. I loved seeing each landmark and hearing the detailed story of the town. So much history right here in our own backyard.
Melinda Lee
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A great overall experience. I have known John for years and his love & passion for Eatonville really are brought to light during this tour. I give it 5 stars!
Niki
Support Local History
Embrace history and show your support for our local historian as you explore Maitland and Eatonville. Plus, our tour merchandise is locally printed for a truly authentic experience!
Available in multiple colors and styles.
