Museum of Science & History making plans for relocating

The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) announced its intent to build a new museum at the Shipyards property on the Northbank of Downtown Jacksonville, Florida.

This new facility would replace current plans to renovate and expand the Museum’s existing structure at 1025 Museum Circle. Preliminary design and construction projections indicate the new museum could be ready to welcome its first members and guests in 2024. This new facility will allow the Museum to provide continuous operation at its current site throughout the construction process.

The Museum’s Board of Trustees engaged a cross-functional team of project partners and stakeholders, including engineers, architects and commercial real estate analysts, to evaluate the site. This process revealed new opportunities to implement the Museum’s visitor experience plan, which was shaped by an extensive community input process, and align MOSH’s vision with efforts to create a vibrant network of civic attractions, parks and river access points on the Northbank.

“As a mission-driven organization, our primary goal is to ensure our future plans align with MOSH’s value to this community — both today and in the future,” said Bruce Fafard, CEO of MOSH. “The presentation of a new site option at the Shipyards property provides an exciting opportunity to reconsider how we will serve Northeast Florida’s citizens and visitors in the years ahead.”

Museum leaders anticipate pre-construction activity could begin in 2021, pending completion of initial due diligence work approved in the FY 2020/2021 City of Jacksonville Capital Improvement Plan. Construction costs for the new museum will be paid with funds from the MOSH 2.0 capital campaign.

“The next iteration of MOSH will serve as a transformative center for science, innovation and humanities in Downtown. We welcome the support of businesses, philanthropists and foundations that share our passion for activating the riverfront, inspiring innovation, supporting critical workforce development and driving tourism to Downtown Jacksonville,” said Jill Davis, Chair of the MOSH 2.0 campaign cabinet.

The Northbank plans build on the strong momentum in Downtown over the past few years and align with the goals of the Curry administration. This development will join other exciting potential projects along the Downtown riverfront, including the Ford on Bay, new FIS headquarters and the recently announced Lot J agreement.

“For nearly 80 years, MOSH has inspired Jacksonville citizens of all ages to embrace the joy of lifelong learning. We applaud the Museum’s leaders for their commitment to Downtown and their bold, innovative vision for the future that will inspire generations and strengthen our reputation as a premier destination in the Southeastern United States,” said Lenny Curry, Mayor of the City of Jacksonville.

About MOSH: The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is located at 1025 Museum Circle near Friendship Park. MOSH, first chartered in 1941, inspires the joy of lifelong learning by bringing to life the sciences and regional history. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for youth, students, active and retired military and seniors. There is no admission fee for children 2 and under or Museum members. Learn more at HERE.

“ToTo –Where Are We?”

We’re not in Kansas. This isn’t Germany. We didn’t get dumped off on the docks of Bermuda. Where in the world (or should I say, the USA) have the Poller’s been assigned? Why are we in this new land?

I lived so long in the Mid-West that I had to rediscover myself. I had to get back to my roots and appreciate my heritage. When we moved this last time, it was such a shock to my system; I had to realize that my family was the only ‘black family’ on the block (Oh, my God – I’m Black!). I hadn’t realized that we were the minority in our community. It was never an issue. We (my family) were never treated poorly or made to think that race was ever an issue. We were in a small rural town that was struggling to survive and it really didn’t make any difference what the color of your skin was. Everyone in the community had a common goal to achieve; and that was, “survival”. The Air Force Base was scheduled to close and that may have meant some loss jobs.

When we traveled the globe with the Military – we all had a common goal and that was to survive 20 years and to retire with benefits. Today, one has to worry about staying alive in order to reap a reward.

Each place where my family has been stationed – we endured everything until our next assignment (I thank God that our family has the initiative to speak up [boldness] and speak out when the time presents itself). Things may not be perfect where you’re at; but you need to make the best of it and learn to adapt (be content and not complacent). Usually the place where you are presently at (whether you know it or not) is the best place for you to be.

Living where I am now has proven to be a challenge and an adventure. There are some ‘styles’, ‘trends’, ‘opportunities’, ‘gifts’ & ‘talents’ that I have never seen, or some that I’ve missed seeing in awhile (and let’s not forget those things one can’t acquire in a smaller city). Remember, I told you that I was ‘black’ well; I now have to catch up on my ‘blackness’; integrate where some dare not go (which doesn’t bother me none), and keep from being classified as a ‘sellout’.

The Bishop at the church that my husband and I have started to attend, made mention about some ‘black folks’ who “player-hate” if they find out that some other blacks may want to go to a play or another cultural event. This is no reason to “hate”. You would be surprised at the number of people (black & white) who would rather look down at the ground instead of looking in your eyes & saying, “Good Morning”. Then there are those folks who try to make you think that they are ‘better than you’ (Boogies). They stick their noses in the air and talk down to others. There is also an atmosphere of “The Crab Syndrome”. “If I’m not going to make it – then neither will you”.

I have also noticed a sense of ‘hopelessness’ among all nationalities. Much prayer is still needed for the “South”. Were we placed in this area “For such a time as this”? This is where I’ve landed. It’s the “good” mixed in with the not so good. The faster paced lifestyle with a ‘down-home appeal’. There are some people who do desire to get ahead and these are the people who need to be encouraged and supported in their efforts. My take on the “Crab Mentality” is: “If you don’t want help getting out of the pot, or you want me to cook in the pot with you – Turn Me Loose! I got to go! I’m going to smile and show all of these braces in my mouth every chance I get. That’s my mission right now.

“I’m alright – don’t nobody worry about me…”

Love to you ;)

Ms. “V”
www.victoriapoller.com