Welcome The Courier—Jacksonville Historical Society newsletter!

Spring inspires growth, renewal, and change. To that end, the Jacksonville Historical Society is an active participant. In fact, the society’s first monthly e-newsletter, appropriately named The Courier, for Jacksonville’s first newspaper, established in 1835, is an example of growth and change. The Courier allows members and followers the opportunity to keep up with what’s happening at the Jacksonville Historical Society and on the local history scene. We hope you will enjoy hearing more about our activities and area history.

Other changes include staff relocation to Old St. Luke’s, the society’s archival repository at 314 Palmetto St., two blocks from JHS headquarters, Old St. Andrew’s. The move offers the opportunity for all staff and volunteers to work primarily at one site. It’s productive and exciting to experience increased face to face interaction with staff, volunteers, researchers and members.

An article you’ll read in this edition of The Courier welcomes new Associate Director and Archivist Taryn Rodriguez-Boette. Taryn brings a wealth of experience. Among her many duties is volunteer management. She’d enjoy having you as part of the local history team. Please phone the office, 904.665.0064, to volunteer.

Financial growth is necessary to carry out the society’s important mission. To that end, Delores Barr Weaver has stepped forward with a grant in perpetuity that I know will inspire all who embrace the JHS mission. You’ll read more on her extraordinary gift in this newsletter.

I hope to see you at the March 26 program, and until then, welcome spring and welcome to The Courier!

“A remarkable gift to JHS”

Delores Barr Weaver recently announced a remarkable gift to the Jacksonville Historical Society and 19 other area organizations. Beginning in 2015, the society along with the other non-profit groups will receive an annual $10,000 grant in perpetuity. For the Historical Society, the grant punctuates two decades of generous support by Mrs. Weaver.

The innovative grant for the hand selected organizations is known as the “Endowed $10,000 Event Grant Fund est. 2015 by Delores Barr Weaver,” and is administered by the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. The Weaver grant will fund the society’s annual Gingerbread Extravaganza.

“Mrs. Weaver’s grant and her confidence in our mission hold incalculable meaning,” said society Executive Director Emily Lisska. “Her support with the Historical Society already spans decades and now is slated to cross centuries.”

“Mrs. Weaver’s grant emphasizes the importance of supporting local history and the rich cultural rewards for a community that funds these activities. It is hoped the grant will inspire others to support the Historical Society", said Lisska. “It’s imperative in order to preserve our rich heritage.”

Welcome to the newest member of the JHS team!

Taryn Rodriguez-Boette was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in history and eduction from the University of Puerto Rico. After she moved to Massachusetts she was certified to teach in the state's bilingual program at the middle and high school levels. She began coursework in Archival Methods at the University of Massachusetts, then studied Systems Analysis and Library Science at Florida State University.

From 1987 to 2003, Mrs. Rodriguez-Boette worked with the St. Augustine Historical Society - as Archivist, Curator, Library Director, and finally Executive Director. She returned to the museum and archives field after a two-year hiatus as Youth Ministry Coordinator at St. Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church in Palm Coast. Mrs. Rodriguez-Boette worked at the Beaches Museum & History Park as archivist, collections manager and curator from 2005 to 2014.

She joined the staff at the Jacksonville Historical Society in late October as Associate Director and Archivist. "The Society's collections are a fantastic resource", states Rodriguez-Boette. With the help of staff and volunteers, Rodriguez-Boette hopes to standardize the cataloging of the collections so they will be easily accessibly for residents, students, visitors and scholars.

Leah Mary Cox Collection provides intimate view in new exhibit

The exhibit, Leah Mary Cox: An Intimate Perspective opens at Jacksonville Historical Society’s Old St. Luke’s on Tuesday, April 14. The small, but powerful exhibit includes photographs taken by Leah found in a collection of 4,075 glass plate negatives in the JHS permanent collections. The glass plates were donated by Susan and Ron Massuci.

Also exhibited are objects reflective of the era’s lifestyle, including wearing apparel and Jacksonville manufactured or objects or items available in the city during the late 19th century and early 20th century.

“Leah’s story is reflective of many 19th century American stories,” said JHS Executive Director Emily Lisska. “In this exhibit, a more intimate side of Leah and her adopted city is revealed.”

The exhibit is open Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the society’s archival repository, Old St. Luke’s, 314 Palmetto Street. For a small group talk related to the collection, phone 665-0064. The exhibit runs through July.

Don't miss the March Program!

Join JHS and author Thomas Graham, PhD on March 26 at 6:30pm for a reception and book signing followed by the program, Mr. Flagler's St. Augustine at 7pm at Old St. Andrew's, 317 A. Philip Randolph Blvd.

Dr. Graham will tell “how one of the wealthiest men in America … transformed Florida …into the winter playground of America’s elite.” Dr. Graham also offers insight on Jacksonville at the time.