Jackson County Museum
Jackson County Museum and Dozier Memorial Park
A Cultural and Memorial Project in Development at Endeavor Park
The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners is continuing its efforts to develop a museum and memorial park on the historic grounds of Endeavor Park—formerly the Dozier School for Boys. This project will honor and preserve the stories of Jackson County’s past while creating a meaningful destination for visitors, families, educators, and historians.
Following years of community input and planning, the vision for this project is moving forward. A new business plan for the Jackson County Museum and Dozier Memorial Park was completed in 2025, outlining a phased approach to construction, exhibit development, and community engagement. The museum will be located in the former cafeteria building at the center of the campus and will serve as a site for education, remembrance, and cultural preservation.
Recent Project Milestones:
- Cultural Facilities Grant Awarded: In 2021, Jackson County was awarded a $500,000 Florida Department of State Cultural Facilities Grant for the building’s shell stabilization. This grant is matched with $500,000 from Tourist Development Council (TDC) funds for a total $1 million Phase I investment.
- Business Plan Completed: The museum’s comprehensive business plan was finalized in 2025 and outlines project history, phasing, financial strategy, target audiences, visitor experience design, and long-term vision.
- Committee Appointed: In September 2023, the Jackson County BOCC appointed a new Museum Steering Committee to guide the project’s next phases.
Current Initiatives:
- Community Engagement Workshops: A series of six community workshops will be hosted across Jackson County from September 2025 through March 2026. These workshops will provide updates, gather community feedback, and help build the exhibit collection. Please visit the museum’s social media page here to learn more.
- Now Accepting Exhibit Applications: The project is actively collecting artifacts, stories, and exhibit proposals. Community members are encouraged to share pieces of Jackson County history through our official Exhibit Application Form.
- Site Development Planning Underway: In addition to the museum interior, the surrounding grounds will be transformed into a memorial park with interpretive trails, historical signage, and reflective spaces, including the existing White House Monument.
- Partnership with Emancipation Day of Northwest Florida: The County is also collaborating with Emancipation Day of Northwest Florida to develop an adjacent African American Heritage Museum. Jackson County was one of eight statewide finalists for the future State of Florida Black History Museum site.
Public Meetings:
The Museum Steering Committee meets monthly on the second Wednesday at 12 PM at the Russ House, located at 4318 Lafayette Street, Marianna, FL 32446. These meetings are open to the public.
To learn more or get involved, please contact:
Kelsi Jackson, Executive Director
📧TDC@jacksoncountyfl.gov
📞 (850) 482-8061
A copy of the Jackson County Museum and Dozier Memorial Park Business Plan is available upon request.