Weekly Updates

May Brown Bag Lunch - Historic Preservation Month

Brown Bag Lunch

Wednesday, May 3, at 12pm

In 2009, a house at 801 Someruelus Street in Old Town, Fernandina Beach, Florida, was deconstructed due to its advanced state of decay. This property, sometimes known as the McDonald or Mosely House, was referred to colloquially as the "oldest house" due to an assertion in an early survey that it was the only house remaining from 1811-1821, the period of record for the Old Town Historic District. 

A forensic analysis or “architectural autopsy” of the house revealed fascinating clues as to the probable date of the structure and the evolution of wood frame buildings in the 19th century. The talk covers the requirements that must be met to demolish an historic building, and dating buildings by their materials and methods of construction. 

Attendance is free and open to the public and attendants may bring their lunch. Seating is limited on a first come, first served basis. This program is wheelchair accessible.

Watch this program remotely at https://www.twitch.tv/ameliaislandmuseumhistory

For more information contact Summer at 904-261-7378 x.102 or [email protected]

May 3rd on 3rd - Historic Preservation Month

3rd on 3rd Lecture

Friday, May 19, at 6pm

Jose Miranda of Miranda Architects will discuss the architectural successes and challenges of converting the island's oldest public school building into the Amelia Schoolhouse Inn, a boutique hotel.

Attendance is free for museum members with a suggested donation of $5 for nonmembers. Seating is limited on a first come, first served basis. This program is wheelchair accessible. 

Watch this program remotely at https://www.twitch.tv/ameliaislandmuseumhistory

For more information contact Summer at 904-261-7378 x.102 or [email protected]

Jail Break! St. Augustine

Join us on the next members-only Jail Break trip to historic St. Augustine!

Monday, May 15, 2023

$100/person

Depart Museum: 8:00 AM

Arrive Museum: 5:00 PM

Members Only

Patron level and above receive first preference

For more information or to make reservations: [email protected] or 904-261-7378 x 101

Final Tea of the Season!

Wear your best hat and outfit to the last tea of the year, the Tea House Fashion Show!

Make your reservations now. Limited seating, $35.00 per person.

• Amelia Island Museum of History, 233 South 3rd Street
• May 21 @ 2:00 PM
• RSVP by Friday, May 19th, at 4:00 PM
• Contact mailto:[email protected] or call 904-261-7378 x 105

Membership Corner

Don’t forget to renew your membership!

A big Thank You to all of our current members for your continued support! For those of you who have not renewed your membership, it’s not to late! Money received from members through dues plays a big part in offsetting our operational expenses and allows us to offer a diverse calendar of exhibits and programming to our community. If you haven’t already renewed your membership please consider it.

City of Fernandina Beach Bicentennial Celebration

The City of Fernandina Beach, along with Fernandina Beach Main Street, Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Historic District Council, the Amelia Island Museum of History, and the Amelia Island- Fernandina Restoration Foundation are collaborating to bring you a commemorative year of events.

Fernandina Beach was established on January 1, 1825. To celebrate its impending 200th birthday, we are collaborating with local organizations to bring you a series of activities throughout 2024 which culminate with a City-wide party on January 1, 2025.

The Fernandina 200 Steering Committee is looking for a variety of diverse activities that will attract residents and visitors. An application for involvement is available on the City’s website. Possible activity ideas could include hosting a scavenger hunt, live performances, creation of a time capsule, artifact displays, children’s events, home walking tours, old-time photo booths, musical performances, local culture culinary offerings, genealogy discussions, or art exhibits and competitions.

Updates will be available on the City’s website (www.fbfl.us/200) and Facebook page.

Steering Committee:

Amy Boek, Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau

Sal Cumella, City of Fernandina Beach

Phyllis Davis, Amelia Island Museum of History

Lisa Finkelstein (chair), Fernandina Beach Main Street

Mary Hamburg, City of Fernandina Beach

Mike Harrison, Historic District Council

Lorelei Jacobs, Amelia-Island Fernandina Beach Restoration Foundation

Nassau County Liaison, Brandy Carvahlo

This steering committee is responsible for coordinating and sanctioning all non-profit and business participation in the Fernandina Beach Bicentennial Celebration. Please contact Lisa Finkelstein, Committee Chair, at [email protected] or by phone at (904) 624-7147 for additional information.

2023 Holiday Home Tour Help Needed

Temporary Exhibits on View

Curated through the Museum’s annual Student Exhibit Program in which local high school students curate and design a museum exhibit, “Culture for Sale: Historic Nassau County Advertising” explores what we can learn about the culture of the past from advertisements.

"Preserving Amelia" Exhibit at JAX Airport

Preserving Amelia, a temporary exhibit curated by AIMH, will be on display in JAX's Sky Gallery until June 1st as part of the JAA Arts & Culture Program.

The exhibit tells the story of historic preservation in Fernandina Beach, featuring treasures from the Keystone Hotel, illustrations of our beautiful downtown architecture, a large map of the historic district, and more. Special thanks to the Amelia Island TDC for their support on this exhibit.

Make sure you take a look next time you're at the airport!

In Case You Missed It...

In case you missed our April 3rd on 3rd, here is the recording! William A. Glass presented "Growing up in a Military Family, 1947-1966."