The archaeological history of North Florida dates back to 500 B.C., when the Timucuan Indians are known to have lived in the area. The history of Jacksonville as a settlement, then a town and later a city began in 1822.
Almost all progress toward building Jacksonville after 1822 was lost May 3, 1901, when a fire destroyed the city. While the loss of some of Florida's grandest structures of the time was complete, the disaster served as an opportunity to create a new architectural history.
The development of local urban and suburban design after 1901 is the story behind "Jacksonville by Design – AIA Celebrates 100 years of Architecture," the exhibit in the Loft Gallery at the Museum of Science & History on the Southbank.
The extensive collection is the result of a partnership among the museum, members of the Jacksonville Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the Jacksonville Historical Society and the City Planning and Development Department.
Displays and kiosks chronicle Jacksonville's postfire architectural evolution in six eras: The Great Fire, 1901; The City Rises Again, 1901-19; Boom and Bust, 1920-40; The War and Afterward, 1940-55; Mid-Century Development 1955-80; and Continuing Urban/Suburban Expansion, 1980-early 2000s.
In addition to hundreds of archival images and historic descriptions, the exhibit features video elements including interviews with some of Jacksonville's more influential architects.
"Jacksonville by Design" will be on display on the third floor at MOSH through September.
For museum hours and membership information, visit themosh.org.
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