The Museum of Science & History announced a $1.5 million gift from the Davis family March 6 for the MOSH Genesis capital campaign.
The contribution comprises $1 million from James E. and A. Dano Davis Family Charities and $500,000 from Jill and Jed Davis.
The combined gifts will be honored through the naming of the front lobby of the new museum planned to be built on the Northbank Downtown, according to a news release from MOSH.
“As a multi-generation Jacksonville family, we take pride in supporting organizations that elevate the quality of life for all families in Northeast Florida,” Jed Davis, president and CEO of the Davis Family Office, said in the release.
“We are proud to align our family’s name with this important cultural institution and look forward to remaining engaged in its future growth and success.”
Jill Davis is the vice chair of the MOSH board of trustees and chair of the MOSH Genesis capital campaign cabinet.
“Working side-by-side with Jill this past year on the MOSH Genesis capital campaign, I am inspired by her personal dedication to bringing a world-class museum to Northeast Florida. By supporting this capital campaign, the Davis family is breaking down barriers to lifelong learning,” Maureen Mercho, the museum’s chief development officer, said in the release.
The MOSH Genesis capital campaign supports plans for the museum to move to a new building on the Northbank of the St. Johns River.
Plans for the new museum comprise about 100,000 square feet across three floors, with the option to build an expansion of an additional 30,000 square feet.
In May 2023, legislation for a disposition and development agreement for 2.5 acres of city-owned land at the Shipyards property was signed into law. The legislation grants MOSH a 40-year ground lease of the land for $1 per year; design of the park and the Riverwalk; and other agreements related to the creation of the new museum and surrounding park spaces.
The Davis family’s philanthropic efforts span multiple generations, creating a legacy of support for nonprofit organizations across Northeast Florida.
Their philanthropic contributions primarily focus on health care-related projects, at-risk youth and advancing local education opportunities. The family’s gift recipients include the Mayo Clinic; The Mary Lou Davis Endowment for Women’s Heart Initiative at Ascension St. Vincent’s; the Davis College of Business at Jacksonville University; The Mary Lou Davis Family Life Center at Riverside Presbyterian Day School; the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens; and Seamark Ranch.