Jackson Endeavor Museum
The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners is moving forward with their plans for pursuing the development of a museum on the grounds of Endeavor Park.
For the past several years, stakeholders, citizens, staff, and fact-finding committees have met and explored the opportunities for development at the former Dozier School for Boys. Following the vision created by the County Commissioners, a Steering Committee was appointed in September 2020 with the task of guiding the process through from vision, which would take it from plans and funding to a reality. So far, the group is well on their way!
A business plan was created by the Committee, resulting in an official name for the museum project: Jackson Endeavor Museum and Travel Center. The museum and travel center will showcase the vast history of Jackson County while also creating a place for visitors to stop while traveling along I-10 that will eventually tap into various resources as they become available on the Endeavor Park campus.
On June 1, 2021, Jackson County submitted a Department of State Cultural Facilities Grant requesting funding for the shell stabilization of the 10,544 square foot old dining hall in hopes of converting the property into the museum. The $500,000 grant would be matched with $500,000 from Tourist Development Council funds, for a total investment of $1,000,000 for Phase I of the renovation. Additional phases will allow for community input for the interior design and exhibit style through meetings with the Steering Committee.
In September of 2023, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners appointed a new Steering Committee. New Steering Committee members are as follows: Byron Dickens, Carly Montuani, Debbie Dennis, Hunter Potts, Kallie Smith, Kenneth Griffin, Kerri Eaton, Leon Kelly, and Tori Sims.
Board meetings are hosted on the second Thursday of each month at 3:30 p.m. at the Russ House, located at 4318 Lafayette Street, Marianna, FL 32446.
A special thanks go out to Jackson County Commissioners and Administration as well as to David Melvin for their unwavering vision and dedication to preserving Jackson County’s history and for their support, guidance, and leadership.
For more information on the Jackson Endeavor Museum and Travel Center, please email Kelsi Williams, TDC Director, at williamskj@jacksoncountyfl.gov or contact via phone at (850) 482-8061.