An inaugural spring gathering marking the 125th anniversary of the Great Fire of 1901 and the spirit of renewal that followed.
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:Â 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
Carlucci
Kanter
Preserver Sponsors
Storyteller Sponsors
In-Kind Sponsors
*As of 3/5/2026