Educational Materials

How Color Saved South Beach


“How Color Saved Miami Beach” is a 5 minute educational video that looks at how color was used to amplify the unique architecture of Miami Beach’s Art Deco District. The film is gear to grade school students and was created as part of the Miami Beach Visual Memoirs project, available as free download with teacher guide for classroom, non-commercial, education use. The film was created with funding from the Miami Beach Visitors and Convention Authority.

“What’s Architecture” Booklet

The Story of Rey Mambo


This educational video is intended for middle school students. It focuses on Marvin Baumel who, as a Latin band leader in the 1950s and 60s, was known as “Rey” Mambo. He worked in the clubs and hotels of Miami Beach. His story is one of coming of age, going to war and returning to follow his love — Latin Music.

The film was created with funding from the Miami Beach Visitors and Convention Authority.

Rey Mambo Teacher Guide

Small Town Paradise


Miami Beach has changed dramatically over the past generation. Once viewed as a small town paradise by the people who grew up here, it is now a vibrant international tourist destination where high school students are tourists in their own community. We follow a group of high school students as they learn about their “home town.”

This video was created as an educational tool for use in high schools and was prepared with an accompanying study guide and is freely available for educational use. It is part of the Miami Beach Visual Memoirs Project — a joint under-taking of the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) and Close-Up Productions, Inc. The project is funded by a grant from the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority.

Small Town Paradise Study Guide