Executive Director, Jacksonville Historical Society
Mission
The mission of the Jacksonville Historical Society is to foster and promote the appreciation of Jacksonville and Northeast Florida history by collecting, preserving, presenting and interpreting that history for the public and future generations.
Serving Jacksonville
Since 1929.
Those served
We serve worldwide. Researchers the world over contact the Jacksonville Historical Society for information about the city and events throughout its history. Some individuals travel here and spend hours and days poring through our materials. But more often, we serve the local populace. Last year, more than 28,000 people used our services, not counting our television show or website. They enjoyed a tour, an exhibit or a presentation.
Biggest challenge
A huge project and deadline loom. The society is on a countdown to December. We must raise $190,000 by that time to purchase the 1878 St. Luke’s Hospital and the adjoining Florida Casket Factory where we house the rare documents and images of city history. I must tell you, there is no specific plan in place to house these treasures if the funds aren’t raised. We’re getting ready to launch an initiative that I hope will resonate with Jacksonville’s citizens. Part of our “Campaign to Save Jacksonville History” will include “Countdown at the Cowford,” and we’ll ask the public to help in a simple and meaningful way through our website, www.jaxhistory.com
Biggest satisfaction
The most important work of the Jacksonville Historical Society is collecting and archiving the city’s history. Citizens, business owners, the government and many others provide documents and photos that likely would end up being tossed out or lost or destroyed through improper care or storage. The society maintains staggering collections regarding our city, its activities and its people. Collecting city-related documents and images for our archives, particularly those items that are rare and one-of-a-kind, is hugely rewarding. Of particular satisfaction is sharing the city’s remarkable history through public presentations, tours, society book publications, film production, a speakers’ series and other methods we use to tell our city’s exceptional story.
Hometown
I am a proud native of Jacksonville.
First experience with community service
My response will clearly indicate both my age and my native status. In grade school at Jacksonville’s Brentwood Elementary, I collected for the Community Chest. That organization was a forerunner to United Way. I’ve volunteered my entire life, and eventually as a volunteer wrote an historic preservation grant and enjoyed success. Through that grant, it was particularly gratifying in the early 1990s to spearhead the restoration of one of the city’s most historic structures, today’s Mandarin Community Club. The structure was built in 1872 through the efforts of Harriet Beecher Stowe. At the time Stowe was here, she was one of the most famous celebrities on earth. When the position of executive director of the Jacksonville Historical Society opened in 1996, I was already active in the local history arena as a volunteer.
Your job before the Jacksonville Historical Society
I was the City’s consumer education specialist. I truly enjoyed the work and possessed a passion for the field, but Jacksonville history is my beloved vocation and avocation. However, the vocation part is certainly more than a working knowledge of city history. It’s actually running a nonprofit.
Upcoming events
I hope the public will visit jaxhistory.com and become interested in our “Countdown at the Cowford campaign.” It will be up and running by May.
Contact information
www.jaxhistory.com
665-0064