A Growing Legacy

For much of its first six decades, the Jacksonville Historical Society operated as a volunteer-led organization. It published historical booklets, hosted lectures, and quietly built its archival collection—but had no paid staff or permanent headquarters. That changed in 1988 when Sarah Van Cleve became president. With new energy and vision, the Society hired its first executive director, launched a major newsletter, expanded the board, and began raising funds to broaden its mission.

In the years that followed, the Society became a leading force in local preservation. It spearheaded the million-dollar restoration of Old St. Andrew’s Church (1888), which became its new headquarters in 1998. Soon after, the Society helped relocate and restore the James E. Merrill House (1879), now one of the finest Victorian house museums in the South. Under Executive Director Emily Lisska (1996–2018), the organization expanded its archives, launched major publications, and advocated for the preservation of dozens of Jacksonville landmarks.

Today, known as the Jacksonville History Center, we continue that work with renewed purpose under the leadership of CEO Dr. Alan Bliss. The next major milestone was the transformation of the 1920 Florida Casket Company building into a dynamic hub for public history—featuring a museum and exhibit space, an event venue, and the Jacksonville History Collection. Though we are rooted in the past, we are building for Jacksonville’s future—preserving its stories so they may inspire generations to come.