Dinsmore Heritage Association
A non-profit group of citizens interested in the history
of Dinsmore in Jacksonville, Florida
How it all Started
The Dinsmore Heritage Association (DHA) was established in August, 1993
by Dottie and Jake Cope, long-time members of the Dinsmore Community, and
Dr. Julia A. Brannam, the Principal of Dinsmore Elementary School.
The first chairperson was Evelyn Atkinson, followed by our current chairperson,
Jewell Perret.
It has been in continual existence from 1993 to the present. There
are currently fifteen active members and scores of contributors.
DHA began meeting in various rooms at Dinsmore Elementary and had a museum
in the school for several years. The members provided tours and historical
presentations for the students. The DHA had to leave the school when
the school enrollment surged and is currently meeting in the old "health
clinic" next to the Civic Club on Civic Club Drive. There is no room
for a museum at the
present time, but plans are being made for a permanent Dinsmore Heritage
Center.
Recognition and Funding
Early funding for the Dinsmore Heritage Association was secured through
a federal Chapter II Community Grant for $6,000. that helped establish
the museum and provided supplies and equipment. Members of the association,
local businesses and community members have given donations through the
years to keep the project in existence. The Freedoms Foundation at
Valley Forge has announced that on November 16, 2000, the Dinsmore Heritage
Association will receive the George Washington Medial of Honor (national
award) for community involvement.
Purpose
The purpose of the Dinsmore Heritage Association (DHA) is to collect and
save the rich, cultural heritage of the Dinsmore Community. The DHA
collects photographs, histories, and oral tales of the community.
Hundreds of hours of research has resulted in a significant collection.
Dinsmore was blessed with a rich multicultural community from the earliest
days and great effort has been made to accurately document this history.
Goals
1. Establish a permanent Dinsmore Heritage Center
2. Publish a history of the community
3. Continue the relationship with the elementary
school to help the students
become familiar
with their heritage.
WE NEED YOUR HELP !
1. Copies of pictures, articles, family histories and
stories
2. Your presence at our monthly meeting (3rd
Monday at 1:00, Health
Clinic)
3. Monetary donations and helpful suggestions
4. Support for city help in obtaining a new
local civic center in which the
museum, library and
meeting space would be housed.
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