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History / Humanities
Amelia Island Museum of History
Fernandina / Amelia
(904) 261-7378
www.ameliamuseum.org
Housed in the historic Nassau County jail, the museum highlights 4,000 years of island history. Exhibitions, lectures, walking tours, a research library, and ghost tours are among the offerings.
Beaches Museum and History Center
Jacksonville Beach
(904) 241-5657
www.bm-hc.com
Located in historic Pablo Park, the center focuses on the distinct history of the beaches communities. Lecture series tours, exhibits, a restored 1911 wood-burning locomotive, and a new museum facility are featured.
Clara White Mission
Downtown Jacksonville
(904) 354-4162
www.clarawhitemission.org
Permanent exhibition is featured at the Eartha M.M. White Historical Museum.
Fort Caroline National Monument
Beaches / Intercoastal
(904) 641-7155
www.nps.gov/timu/historyculture/foca.htm
The site memorializes France’s effort to colonize Florida during the sixteenth century. A near full-scale rendering of the fort, together with exhibits at the visitor’s center, paint a picture of the French colony, its interaction with the Timucuans, and its elimination by Spanish forces.
Jacksonville Fire Museum
Downtown Jacksonville
(904) 630-0618
Housed in a 1902 fire station, the museum features artifacts which include a steam engine used to fight Jacksonville’s Great Fire of 1901.
Jacksonville Historical Society
Downtown Jacksonville
(904) 398-4301
www.jaxhistory.com
The permanent exhibition features documents, pictures and artifacts from Jacksonville’s history.
Jacksonville Maritime Museum
Downtown Jacksonville
(904) 398-9011
The permanent exhibition features models, books, documents and artifacts from maritime history.
Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum
Downtown Jacksonville
(904) 356-2992
www.rain.org/~karpeles
Changing exhibitions feature the original writings of great authors, scientists, composers, philosophers, statesmen, sovereigns and leaders from all periods of world history. Temporary exhibitions of works by local emerging artists are also presented. Admission is free.
Kingsley Plantation
Fort George Island
(904) 251-3537
Kingsley Plantation
Kingsley Plantation offers information about American (including Native and African American) history, guided walks, boat tours, discussions and demonstrations.
Lightner Museum
St. Augustine
(904) 824-2874
www.lightnermuseum.org
Relics of America’s gilded age are elegantly exhibited on the museum’s three floors. Costumes, furnishings, musical instruments, and other artifacts allow a fascinating glimpse into 19th century daily life.
Mandarin Museum & Historical Society
Mandarin
(904) 268-0784
www.mandarinmuseum.net
The museum is located at the Walter Jones Historical Park, a slice of Old Florida which includes a nineteenth century farmhouse and a barn. Special events include A Winter Celebration in December. Tours available.
Museum of Southern History
Riverside/Avondale
(904) 388-3574
Museum of Southern History
The G. Howard Bryan Museum of Southern History is Jacksonville’s only library dedicated to Southern history. The museum includes a 4,000-volume research library, plus exhibits of flags, weapons and civilian items from the 1860s.
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum
St. Augustine
(904) 829-0745
www.staugustinelighthouse.com
The museum preserves and interprets the history of the working light station and its associated maritime, coastal and social history. Visitors age seven and up can climb the tower to observe long-range views of the Atlantic Ocean and St. Augustine.