The Beaches Museum & History Park’s newest exhibit, “Palmettos, Piers and Pioneers”, opened to a record crowd of more than 200 guests on Thursday, February 19. The exhibit shares the history and stories of the area as told by some of its most well-known residents and historians. Items on display include the original control panel of the Palm Valley draw bridge and the badge worn by Deputy Sheriff William “Willie” Mickler along with dozens of family photos, heirlooms and even taxidermy animals from the area.
In addition to celebrating the opening, the announcement of a new major benefactor to the Museum was made. The Lead Gift for the moving of the Oesterreicher-McCormick Homestead, an 1873 cracker cabin currently located in Palm Valley, was made by Thomas LeNoble. It recognizes and honors the memory of his parents, Mary and Victor LeNoble. Thomas LeNoble grew up in Jacksonville Beach and attended both San Pablo Elementary School and Fletcher High School.
Mr. LeNoble simultaneously made a second generous gift to establish the LeNoble Endowment for the Preservation and Renovation of the Historic Buildings in the History Park. This was also announced at the Opening.
“The parents inspired, the son responded and we will all benefit from the results!” said Suzanne McCormick Taylor, co-chair of the capital campaign for the cabin move and daughter of the Historical Society’s founder, Jean Haden McCormick. “It’s been so gratifying to see the generosity of our community for saving and preserving our historic buildings. We look forward to continuing to grow the Endowment in order to take the best care possible of these treasures in the future”.
The Palm Valley exhibit will be open until April 22 and admission is free. The move of the Oesterreicher-McCormick Cabin is expected to take place in March
Palm Valley Exhibit Commottee: L to R, Sarah Jackson, Donna Mickler Wilson, Greg Leonard, Deborah Andrews, Sid Mickler, Suzanne McCormick Taylor, Rick Helmick, Michel Oesterreicher, Wade McCormick. Not in photo: Neil McGuinness
For more information, please call 904-241-5657, or e-mail info@BeachesMuseum.org.
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Beaches Museum & History Park is operated by the Beaches Area Historical Society at Pablo Historical Park, Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
The mission of the Beaches Area Historical Society is to nurture civic pride for the distinct history of the Beaches, while providing education, information and entertainment for those who live, work and vacation in our communities.
The Beaches Museum & History Park is located at 381 Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville Beach. To Learn more about the Beaches Museum & History Park, please visit our website at www.BeachesMuseum.org
Contact:
Beaches Museum & History Park
381 Beach Blvd.
Jacksonville Beach, FL. 32250
904.241.5657 BeachesMuseum@gmail.com
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This mailing is partially funded by the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville.
Beaches Museum & History Park is operated by the Beaches Area Historical Society, Inc., a 501(c)(3) Corporation Registration # CH1597. Your donation is tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the State of Florida. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State.
