Secretary Byrd Announces America250FL Photo Donation Drive
For Immediate Release
Thursday, October 1, 2026
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. –
Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced today that the State Archives of Florida is seeking photographs to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary celebration in Florida.
“By donating your photos, you can preserve your community’s place in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “Consider contributing to our state’s history by donating your photographs and leave your mark on America’s and Florida’s shared legacy.”
The collection of these photographs corresponds with National American Archives Month, which begins today, October 1st. The State Archives of Florida contains over 48,000 cubic feet of records and boasts one of the largest photographic collections in the nation with more than 1.5 million still images and over 7,000 videos.
Interested parties should email the State Archives of Florida at [email protected] to discuss donating original photographs featuring America250FL community events and celebrations.
Specific information about the donation process is below.
Can I donate photographs taken with my phone?
If you took the photograph yourself, probably. The camera on your mobile device likely produces images of high enough quality to meet our minimum requirements. Most modern devices, including iPhones (4 and newer), iPads (3 and newer), and many Android devices by Samsung, Motorola and Sony take photographs at or above our minimum resolution of 5 megapixels. Check your phone's specifications to verify that it provides the appropriate quality for images.
What happens after I send my photos?
A Deed of Gift form will be sent to be completed and returned. All donors must sign the form to transfer image ownership and usage rights to the State Archives of Florida. This ensures that you and others will be able to access and use the image now and in the future. The State Archives will credit the photographer in collection records and when the image is accessed by researchers.
What are the digital photograph specifications?
File Format: TIFF and RAW preferred. JPEG accepted.
Megapixel: Minimum 5MP
Will my photos be put on Florida Memory?
It is possible, but not all photographs donated to the State Archives of Florida appear on Florida Memory. However, all donated photos are included in the Florida Photographic Collection at the State Archives of Florida and accessible to researchers.
Some example photos, taken during Florida’s bicentennial celebrations in 1976, are featured below. Use these as a guide for the kinds of photographs to submit.
City of Atlantic Beach float in Bicentennial parade on Seagate Ave. at Neptune Beach. 1976. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/330727
Florida. - Division of Tourism. Bicentennial celebration ceremony at the Cypress Gardens theme park in Winter Haven, Florida. 1976 (circa). State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/92737
Holland, Karl E., 1919-1993. View of park visitors with ranger looking at Florida Bicentennial Trail sign at the Fort Clinch State Park - Fernandina Beach, Florida. 1976 (circa). State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/91136
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About the State Archives of Florida
The State Archives of Florida collects, preserves and makes available for research the historically significant records of the state, as well as private manuscripts, local government records, photographs, and other materials that complement the official state records. The State Archives of Florida is part of the Division of Library and Information Services.
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