The Miami-Dade Migrant Farmworkers Historic Context Study is a comprehensive survey of the history of migrant farm labor in Miami-Dade County. The study investigates the profound impact of agriculture on the region’s development, the origins and evolution of migrant farm labor systems in South Florida, and the local history of migrant farmworker advocacy and organizing.
The purpose of this study is to provide a strong foundation for future research on migrant farm labor in Miami-Dade County. In addition, our team is collaborating with the County OHP to nominate a historic site associated with migrant farmworkers for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
The study identifies a total of 268 historic sites and resources significant to migrant farmworker communities in Miami-Dade. The findings are organized into a National Register Multiple Property Documentation Form (MPDF), which includes:
A narrative history of migrant farm labor in the county
Tables and maps of associated resources
Evaluations of significance, integrity, and National Register eligibility
The study documents a wide range of resource types, including historic labor camps, residences, packing houses, schools, churches, offices, clinics, and commercial establishments. Each individual resource includes site file documentation forms, maps, tables, and a historical narrative.
Throughout the study, our team collaborated with current and former migrant farmworkers, growers, community leaders, historians, archivists, and county officials. The team conducted interviews, documented historic sites, gathered archival research, and reviewed findings with stakeholders. Many oral histories recorded during the project are available online through the HistoryMiami website.
The team also compiled extensive archival materials, including historic maps, aerials, plans, tax card photographs, newspapers, articles, studies, books, films, documentaries, memoirs, and correspondence. Field visits provided current photographs and updated information for each historic site and resource included in the survey.
The study reveals a rich history of agricultural labor relations, cultural exchange, and migrant advocacy. The report details the diverse histories of South Florida’s migrant farmworker communities, including those of Black, Anglo, Bahamian, Puerto Rican, Mexican, Jamaican, and Haitian backgrounds. It places these histories within the broader context of early regional settlement, labor supply shifts during the Great Depression and World War II, state-sponsored migrant labor programs, housing and health crises, and natural disasters such as Hurricane Andrew.
The report also highlights the region’s history of migrant farmworker advocacy and recognizes key organizations and individuals who advanced improvements in migrants’ living and working conditions.
Agriculture and migrant farm labor remain integral to the founding and development of Miami-Dade County. Media and literature have historically underrepresented the perspectives of migrant farmworkers. The Miami-Dade Migrant Farmworkers Historic Context Study helps close this gap by supporting future research and publications on the topic. Plusurbia is honored to contribute to recognizing the important role and lasting contributions of migrant farmworkers.
