October 13, 2016 - 5:30 pm -7:30 pm

Fans of the movie industry or Jacksonville history will not want to miss the screening of the classic silent film “The Flying Ace” on Thursday, October 13 at 5:30 p.m.  Guests of the event will return to the early 20^th century when Jacksonville had the potential to become the film capital of the world.

As part of the Mayport Village exhibit, this movie was filmed ca. 1926 at both the Norman Studios property in Arlington and in Mayport.  Starring Lawrence Criner and Kathryn Boyd as the leads in an all-black cast, the story revolves around the return of a World War I hero and his exploits when he returns to his former job as a railroad detective.  The film was said to be inspired by Bessie Coleman, America’s first licensed black female pilot who was tragically killed in 1926 while practicing for an air show at Jacksonville’s Paxon Airfield.  The film itself is said to have inspired many of the young men who would grow up to become the Tuskegee Airmen.

The screening will begin in the Beaches Museum Chapel at 5:30 p.m. on October 13.  Admission is free for Museum members with a suggested $5 donation for nonmembers.