Beaches were some of the most sought-after tourist destinations for many families during this time. Some of the top beach destinations for Black leisure in the mid-Atlantic region were Highland Beach, Sparrow’s Beach, Carr’s Beach, and Chicken Bone Beach. These segregated beaches offered the Black community a space where they could relax and be at ease with their friends and families. In many of the earlier photographs, you’ll notice many people on the beach in formal attire, this is because during the time many beachgoers were happy just sitting on the shore and enjoying the weather without getting in the water. Beaches also acted as hubs for different forms of entertainment such as hosting concerts, carnivals, and other types of family activities. During the era, beaches acted as focal points of Black community building and leisure, providing a way for Black culture to sustain itself amidst racial tension.
Children’s summer camp smiling around a car at Highland Beach. Photo courtesy of University of Maryland, Baltimore County Special Collections.
Two girls on a tube at Carr’s Beach. Photo courtesy of the AFRO Archives.
Woman posing near the water on a beach shore. Photo courtesy of the Peter J. Cohen Collection.
A couple hugging in front of the camera on a beach shore. Photo courtesy of the Peter J. Cohen Collection.
Man taking picture of a woman lounging on a beach shore. Photo courtesy of the National Museum of American History.
Man and woman posing together on a beach. Photo courtesy of National Museum of American History.
Two children sitting on a ledge with the shore in the background. Photo courtesy of the Peter J. Cohen Archive.
A woman and two children hugging on a beach shore. Photo courtesy of the Peter J. Cohen Collection.
A group of seven women standing on the beach shore. Photo courtesy of Linda Newton’s private collection.
Black and white image of two women and two children in the water at Highland Beach. Photo courtesy of Linda Newton’s private collection.
James Van Der Zee, Atlantic City, 1930, printed ca. 1975. Gelatin silver print. The Photography Collections, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (P75-59-014).
One woman, two children, and their family dog relaxing at Highland Beach. Photo courtesy of Linda Newton’s private collection.
Sparrow’s Beach, Coopers from Wilmington, Mary Baden, and Bea Coates, circa 1942. Baden, Thomas Jr. Accession No.: MSA SC 2140-1-447. Photo courtesy of the Maryland State Archives.
Carr’s Beach 1950-1960. Baden, Thomas Jr.. Accession No.: MSA SC 2140-1-160. Photo courtesy of the Maryland State Archives.
Man standing on a beach shore. Photo courtesy of the Peter J. Cohen Collection.
Two men and one woman standing in the water. Photo courtesy of the Peter J. Cohen Collection.
c. 1955, Baden, Thomas Jr. Sparrow’s Beach, Annual Frontiers Fishing Contest Accession No.: MSA SC 2140-1-457. Photo courtesy of the Maryland State Archives.
Four women and one man on a pier at Elktonia Beach. Photo courtesy of Morgan State University Special Collections.
Two women and two men hugging on a beach shore. Photo courtesy of the Peter J. Cohen Collection.
One man and two women standing in front of the water. Photo courtesy of the Peter J. Cohen Collection.
Two children sitting in the sand. Photo courtesy of the Peter J. Cohen Collection.
Woman sitting on a boat in the water. Photo courtesy of the Peter J. Cohen Collection.
