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The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners is making significant strides toward the establishment of a museum and memorial park at Endeavor Park, a site rich in history as the former Dozier School for Boys. This project is not just about creating a building; it’s about honoring the past and providing a valuable resource for our community.
With community input shaping its direction, the museum will be housed in the old cafeteria building, providing a space dedicated to education, remembrance, and cultural preservation. In 2021, the project received a $500,000 Cultural Facilities Grant from the Florida Department of State, matched by another $500,000 from the Tourist Development Council. This brings the total investment for Phase I to a remarkable $1 million.
In 2025, a comprehensive business plan was finalized, outlining the project’s history, financial strategies, and visitor experience design. Following this, a Museum Steering Committee was appointed in September 2023 to guide the project through its next phases.
In the coming months, residents can participate in a series of six community workshops scheduled from September 2025 to March 2026. These workshops will provide updates and gather invaluable feedback from the community to help shape the museum’s exhibits.
The museum initiative also includes a call for community involvement, inviting residents to submit artifacts, stories, and exhibit proposals that reflect Jackson County’s rich history. Additionally, there is a collaborative effort with Emancipation Day of Northwest Florida to develop an adjacent African American Heritage Museum.
Public meetings of the Museum Steering Committee are held monthly at the Russ House in Marianna, and everyone is welcome to attend. This project represents a collective effort to create a cultural landmark that will serve as a source of pride and education for generations to come.
References
Jackson County Museum – Jackson County, Florida. (n.d.). Jackson County, Florida. https://jacksoncountyfl.gov/jackson-endeavor-museum/