Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-07-09

RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE ORIGINAL FLORIDA HALL OF FAME HIGHWAYMEN

Infrastructure

Context

On 2026-07-09, Representative Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL-24) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE ORIGINAL FLORIDA HALL OF FAME HIGHWAYMEN" in the House.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE ORIGINAL FLORIDA HALL OF FAME HIGHWAYMEN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 112 (Thursday, July 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 112 (Thursday, July 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E659] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE ORIGINAL FLORIDA HALL OF FAME HIGHWAYMEN _____ HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON of florida in the house of representatives Thursday, July 9, 2026 Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the Original Florida Hall of Fame Highwaymen. They are a group of 26 named and listed landscape artists who have been called ``The Last Great American Art Movement of the 20th Century.'' These self-taught and self-mentoring African American Artists were able to define themselves against the many racial and cultural barriers of the time in which they painted, and created a body of work of over two hundred thousand paintings. The Original Florida Hall of Fame Highwaymen, from Fort Pierce, Florida, began painting in the early 1950's and created large numbers of relatively inexpensive landscape paintings, which were done using construction materials rather than art supplies. As no galleries would accept their works, they sold them in towns and cities and along roadsides throughout Florida, often still wet, out of the trunks of their cars. Following the death of one of their members in 1970, the remaining members created fewer works and productivity waned. However, after being re-discovered in the 1990's, they have become celebrated for their idyllic landscapes of natural settings in Florida. In 2004, the 26 Original Florida Hall of Fame Highwaymen were inducted into the Florida Artist Hall of Fame. In addition to becoming part of Florida's culture and history; they have also received international recognition. Eight of the original members are now deceased, but the remaining members, most now into their 70's and 80's, continue to paint to this day. Despite racial barriers and obstacles, their success and longevity are remarkable. Please join me in honoring the Original Florida Hall of Fame Highwaymen, for their dedication to their craft and their contributions to art in the state of Florida and around the world. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE ORIGINAL FLORIDA HALL OF FAME HIGHWAYMEN Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 112 (Thursday, July 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 112 (Thursday, July 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E659] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE ORIGINAL FLORIDA HALL OF FAME HIGHWAYMEN _____ HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON of florida in the house of representatives Thursday, July 9, 2026 Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the Original Florida Hall of Fame Highwaymen. They are a group of 26 named and listed landscape artists who have been called ``The Last Great American Art Movement of the 20th Century.'' These self-taught and self-mentoring African American Artists were able to define themselves against the many racial and cultural barriers of the time in which they painted, and created a body of work of over two hundred thousand paintings. The Original Florida Hall of Fame Highwaymen, from Fort Pierce, Florida, began painting in the early 1950's and created large numbers of relatively inexpensive landscape paintings, which were done using construction materials rather than art supplies. As no galleries would accept their works, they sold them in towns and cities and along roadsides throughout Florida, often still wet, out of the trunks of their cars. Following the death of one of their members in 1970, the remaining members created fewer works and productivity waned. However, after being re-discovered in the 1990's, they have become celebrated for their idyllic landscapes of natural settings in Florida. In 2004, the 26 Original Florida Hall of Fame Highwaymen were inducted into the Florida Artist Hall of Fame. In addition to becoming part of Florida's culture and history; they have also received international recognition. Eight of the original members are now deceased, but the remaining members, most now into their 70's and 80's, continue to paint to this day. Despite racial barriers and obstacles, their success and longevity are remarkable. Please join me in honoring the Original Florida Hall of Fame Highwaymen, for their dedication to their craft and their contributions to art in the state of Florida and around the world. ____________________