CULTURAL COUNCIL OF GREATER JACKSONVILLE 2-2020
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THE HISTORY OF THIS REGION

Northeast Florida is rich in history.  Individuals have come from, and events have occurred in, Greater Jacksonville that are both culturally significant and historically important.  Individuals such as Harriet Beecher Stowe, James Weldon and John Rosamond Johnson, Augusta Savage, and Paul Rogers, just to name a few, lived in this region, yet their work was far-reaching. 

Jacksonville, positioned as The Gateway to the Sunshine State, played a critical role in the advancement of the  American film industry.  Northeast Florida captured the attention of film makers because of its warm climate, exotic locations, advantageous rail system, and varied architecture.  In the early days of the 20th Century, production companies relocated to Jacksonville and the city quickly became The Winter Film Capital of the World.  

Jacksonville also contributed to the progression of the African American film industry.  In 1916, producer Richard Norman relocated to Jacksonville and founded Norman Studios, one of the first production companies to make movies for African American audiences.  These films were important because they represented a cultural shift.  Norman Studios employed African American casts and crews and the films portrayed African Americans in a manner that was radically different from previous dramatizations and stereotypes. 

LaVilla, Jacksonville's first suburb, was once considered The Harlem of the South because of its vibrant culture and legendary performance venues.  By 1929, Ashley Street was a hotbed for jazz and rhythm & blues music. R.C. Robinson, a blind teenager who attended the Deaf and Blind School in St. Augustine, began his career as a musician at the Ritz, performing as their house pianist.  He eventually left Jacksonville and built quite the career for himself, recording and performing under the name Ray Charles. 

Southern Rock was also born in this region.  Bands such as Molly Hatchet, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and The Allman Brothers Band all came from Jacksonville.  Decades later, this region was also a major contributor to the birth of nu-metal.  Jacksonville bands such as Limp Bizkit, Shinedown, and Cold helped to pioneer and grow the genre.

​There are several organizations who make it their mission to preserve the history of Northeast Florida.  These organizations include:
​
  • American Beach Museum
  • Beaches Museum and History Park
  • Durkeeville Historical Society
  • Jacksonville Historical Society
  • Jacksonville Public Library
  • Mandarin Museum and Historical Society
  • The Museum of Science and History
  • Norman Studios Silent Film Museum
  • The Ritz Theatre and Museum
  • Riverside Avondale Preservation
  • Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council​
  • Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
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The Ritz Theatre and Museum.

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The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville

40 East Adams Street, Suite 140
Jacksonville, FL 32202

(904) 944-3620


Info@CulturalCouncil.org

​Operating Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville is sponsored in part by the City of Jacksonville and by the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida. 


For general inquiries or communications please email

info@culturalcouncil.org

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  • About
    • Our Mission
    • Meet the Staff
    • Board Members
    • In the News / Media >
      • Jacksonville Buzz Monthly Interviews
      • News & Press Releases
    • History
    • Equity
    • Transparency
    • Employment Opportunities
  • Grants
    • Cultural Service Grant Program >
      • Meet the CSG Leadership
      • Cultural Service Grant Application Information
    • Other Grants Opportunities
    • For Student & Educators
    • Foundant-online grant system
  • Public Art
    • Permanent Collection
    • Public Art Tours & Maps
    • Art Consulting & Curation Services for Corporations >
      • Private Partnerships
    • Active Projects
  • Programs
    • LEAD/Artlook Map
    • Behind the Scenes Series
    • Workshops & Events
    • Cultural Partnerships
    • Advocacy
  • NE. FL. Artists & Organizations
    • Regional Art & Culture >
      • Regional History
      • The Performing Arts
      • The Visual Arts
      • Live Musical Performances
      • Independent and Historic Movie Theaters
      • Lectures, Seminars, and Creative Workshops
      • Arts Markets and Festivals
      • The Literary Arts
    • Sign in/manage account
  • Donate