While our programs may have slowed down for the summer, the Museum is as busy as ever! We’ve had visitors from all over the globe, Fletcher grads enjoying the memories in our current history exhibit and our board is getting ready to start working on its 5-year strategic plan!

Perhaps the most visible activity at the Museum is out in the history park. Thanks to several significant gifts and grants from the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville and the Department of State Division of Historical Resources, FOUR of our historic buildings will be getting new roofs! The Foreman’s House, Mayport Deport and the Post Office will have their cedar shakes replaced and the Chapel will go from architectural shingles a more period-appropriate cedar shake.

We are so happy to see this work moving forward and want to give a special thanks to Romano Brothers Roofing. Romano Bros. have been caring for our roofs for decades and we so appreciate the care and extra effort they always give these historic buildings!

Stop by and see them sometime soon!
Sincerely,

Chris Hoffman
Executive Director

Museum Store Updates

Beaches Museum is welcoming new local artists to the Museum Store! We are excited to host the art of Gary Trbovich, Jonathan Lynn and Kristin Kronic.

In addition to great local history books, our Museum Store now looks beautiful filled with the art of these amazing beaches locals! Come by the Museum and see their art soon!

Riding the Rails: Pablo Beach Train Day
September 10, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Join Beaches Museum in celebrating all things train during our annual “Riding the Rails: Pablo Beach Train Day” event on September 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Attractions will include:

-Three operating model train layouts
-Local band "Double Take" will play live music including train songs from days-gone-by
-An antique car show, “Cars Through the Decades”
-The trackless train makes its return, hop aboard for rides through the neighborhood!
-The Museum’s 1911 Steam Locomotive, the 1900 Florida East Coast Foreman’s House and the Mayport Depot will be open to the public with volunteers present to answer questions
-All aboard for “Make It and Take It!” Ride the rails to this crafty station where children can create their own Chugga Chugga Choo Choo art and Train Day souvenir
-Operation Lifesaver will provide train safety materials and offer goodies for the kids
-Boy Scout Troop #37 will be selling beverages, hamburgers and hotdogs

To open the celebration, Beaches Museum is proud to present our first annual “Rails and Ales.” This event will feature a screening of the critically acclaimed silent film by Buster Keaton, “The General,” train-themed trivia, and drinks to accompany the fun. Rails and Ales will take place on September 9th, doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and trivia will start at 8:00. Register with your team (up to five people) HERE.

“Riding the Rails: Pablo Beach Train Day” is free and open to the public. Please pre-register HERE. For more information about this event please visit www.beachesmuseum.org or call 904-241-5657.

Beaches Museum Social Media

If you follow the Museum on social media you may have noticed our new look! Facebook has updated the look and feel of our page and you may even be invited to "follow us" all over again.

If you aren't currently following us join at the links below for interesting stories about local history and Museum updates!

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Beach Legends 2022 Honorees

The Beaches Museum has announced its Legends honorees for 2022. At a reception on the patio of the Beaches Museum Chapel, past Legends, Board Members and Museum supporters gathered to hear those deemed to be “making tomorrow’s history, today.”

This year’s honorees are Bill Hillegass, Herb Peyton, Mary Watson and Dr. Percy J. Golden. (As Pictured) The Legends will be honored at a gala event on September 16, 2022 at TPC Sawgrass.

This year, the Beaches Museum will host its 42nd gala Beach Legends. The fun; which includes a cocktail hour, silent as well as live auctions, and a seated dinner; begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, September 16, 2022, at TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse. Proceeds will go toward educational programs and operational needs of the Beaches Museum.

To learn more about Legends or the Museum, visit www.beachesmuseum.org or call 904-241-5657.

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Pride of the Beaches: 85 Years of Fletcher High School

From small beginnings to a dynamically growing, nationally recognized school, Duncan U. Fletcher High School has won the hearts and expanded the minds of 85 years of beaches residents. Every student has a tale to tell of their Fletcher years and this exhibit captures the pictures, the stories and the nostalgia of each generation of Senators to walk those purple-lined hallways. Join us in celebrating 85 years of the “Pride of the Beaches,” Fletcher High School.

The exhibit opened April 30 during the Fletcher All-Class Block Party. Several events will accompany this exhibit, including a Fletcher Story Teller event and an 85th Anniversary Party.

For more information on the exhibit and events visit www.beachesmuseum.org or call 904.241.5657.

Membership at the Museum

Membership at the Beaches Museum is the best way to show your support!

Join us in preserving, understanding and celebrating the history of the Beaches – become a member of the Beaches Museum. Join now, and you receive all the benefits of membership, including access to historic buildings, the Beaches Museum and rotating exhibits showcasing the colorful heritage of our Beaches communities.

You can learn more about becoming a member on our
website or click here:

Become a Member