Last Liberty Ship Leaves the St. Johns River

The last of 82 Liberty Ships left Jacksonville 81 years ago this month. What a great maritime history!

The (New) Merrill House Celebrates 20 Years

Happy Anniversary to the (new) James E. Merrill House, renovated 20 years ago.

The Stockton Name Remembered

Stockton Street…Stockton Park…John Stockton Elementary School…Stockton, Whatley, Davin & Co. The Stockton name is well-known in Northeast Florida.

There’s History in Our Streets

Jacksonville street names evoke decades of city history, beginning with the Hogans and the Hart families in the early 1800s. Did you know Bay Street was Jacksonville’s original “main” street and Main Street was Pine?

Jacksonville Begins Rebuilding Morning After Great Fire

The devasting Great Fire of May 3, 1901, became a showcase of the courage and resilience of Jacksonville’s citizens, who began the city’s rebirth the next day. Eight months later, the Windsor Hotel re-opened.

The Shipbuilder’s Daughter: Helen Joanna Merrill

Twice widowed, shipbuilder’s daughter Helen Joanna Merrill Slappey was noted as a humanitarian among Jacksonville’s medical community, organizing occupational therapy programs and campaigning for the Duval Medical Center’s occupational therapy building.

Like Father, Like Son

In addition to the 82 Liberty Ships built during World War II by the St. Johns River Shipbuilding Company, operated under contract by Merrill-Stevens Dry Dock & Repair, the Jacksonville-based firm also repaired or converted more than 1,000 ships for the government.

Women’s clothing styles at the turn of the 20th century

Women’s fashion in the early 1900s were often an expression of her place in society. Museum House Docent Nancy Gandy shares a look at clothing that could have been worn by the Merrill family women.

Helen’s Room: A look at Victorian dolls

Helen Merrill’s bedroom stops children in their tracks when touring the Merrill House Museum. Can you guess why?

Celebrating the Merrill House Historic Landmark Status

May is National Historic Preservation Month and the Jacksonville Historical Society is pleased to manage four historic properties, three of which are landmarks.