Jacksonville History Center

Founded in 1929, the Jacksonville Historical Society is the oldest such organization in the City of Jacksonville, and the only one that serves the entire city. Over 200 charter members attended the first meeting on May 3, 1929 – a notable date in local history as it was the 28th anniversary of the Great Fire of 1901. Our mission is “to strengthen citizenship by engaging and educating Jacksonville’s people about their history, through preserving and sharing the evidence of the city’s past, and by advocating the value of historic preservation.” The organization helps the people of Jacksonville preserve and share this big, complicated city’s many fascinating stories. Awareness of the past fosters a sense of place and identity in the present. Jacksonville’s stories allow us to understand who has been here before, what they did, and what happened as a result. Learning and sharing Jacksonville’s stories with others is how we take ownership of this place and become its citizens. That is the value of history, and that is why, in its 94th year, the Jacksonville Historical Society is more relevant than ever.