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Great Fire Gathering

May 1 @ 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm

An inaugural spring gathering marking the 125th anniversary of the Great Fire of 1901 and the spirit of renewal that followed.


Delores Barr Weaver Forever Event Fund

The Great Fire Gathering is supported by a grant from the Delores Barr Weaver Forever Event Fund, est. 2015.


What to Expect

  • Outdoor low country boil
  • Cocktail hour with passed appetizers
  • Open bar featuring a signature cocktail, beer, and wine
  • Fire pits, live music, and conversation
  • A brief program and awards presentation

VIP Experience: Arrive early for a special VIP cocktail hour curated by Manifest Distilling, including a bourbon and whiskey tasting featuring Manifest, local, and national products.


Event Snapshot

Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. (VIP Reception at 5:00 p.m.)
Location: Jacksonville History Center


Honoring Jacksonville’s Stewards

The evening will include brief remarks and the presentation of two awards recognizing Jacksonville’s spirit of renewal:

The Rebuilder Award honors an individual or company whose preservation or redevelopment efforts carry forward the spirit of renewal that shaped Jacksonville after the Great Fire of 1901—celebrating work that contributes to Jacksonville’s built environment and advances how the city’s spaces serve the community today and in the future.

The Keeper of the Flame Award recognizes a community member whose dedication to local history keeps Jacksonville’s stories alive for future generations.


Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorships support the Jacksonville History Center and include recognition benefits. Sponsorship recognition will be added as commitments are confirmed.
You can download a PDF of the sponsorship kit HERE.

Questions? Contact Maureen Natkin at
[email protected]
or (914) 494-3345.


Event Leadership*

Great Fire Gathering Committee Co-Chairs

Veronica and Harrison Frazier

Courtney and Matt Gumbinger

Committee Members

Dave and Katherine Auchter

Pat Andrews and Fred Lambrou

Dave Chauncey

Fred and Adrienne Kent

Emily and Lawrence Lisska

Wayne Wood and Lana Shuttleworth

*Committee in formation


Thank You to Our Sponsors

We are grateful to the generous sponsors whose support makes the Great Fire Gathering possible and helps advance the work of the Jacksonville History Center.*

Heritage Sponsors

Legacy Keeper Sponsors

Matt and Karen
Carlucci
Lawrence and Kathy
Kanter

Preserver Sponsors

Pat Andrews and Fred Lambrou

Storyteller Sponsors

In-Kind Sponsors

Manifest Distilling

*As of 3/5/2026

The Jacksonville History Center

318 PALMETTO ST
Jacksonville, FL 32202 United States