Contact: Kate Hallock Chief of Staff / Communications Director Jacksonville History Center (904) 665-0064 communications@jaxhistory.org
For Immediate Release
Jacksonville History Center Names Courtney Gumbinger to Board, Expands Archive Staff
Jacksonville, FL, August 13, 2025 – The Jacksonville History Center announces the appointment of Courtney Gumbinger to its Board of Directors, as of July 15, 2025. Gumbinger joins 11 other directors and will be eligible to serve three consecutive 3-year terms.
Gumbinger has served as Visit Jacksonville’s Director of Destination Experience for the past four years and has previously held event positions with the Hyatt Regency, Baptist Health, and Ponte Vedra Beach Resorts – all of which add to the depth of experience sought by the Jacksonville History Center as it undertakes to design, fabricate and market Jacksonville’s next heritage tourism destination. Gumbinger holds a Bachelor of Arts in hospitality and event management from the University of Florida and is a certified meeting professional and certified hospitality supervisor.
“As the JHC develops its downtown destination campus, it is important to have board representation from the visitor and travel industry,” said Alan J. Bliss, CEO, Jacksonville History Center. “During the years ahead, we will be doing ambitious things, and we are fortunate to have Ms. Gumbinger with us in our work.”
The JHC has also expanded its archive staff, promoting Erin Mustard to head archivist, and hiring two new staff. Mustard, who joined the organization in April 2024, holds several
degrees, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English literature, as well as a Master of Information from Rutgers University. Shawn Stermer, a May 2025 graduate of the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in history, has been hired as Research and Reference Archivist. Joel Cordova, also a May 2025 UNF graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Digital Humanities, serves as the company’s Digital Collections Archivist.
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The Jacksonville History Center, established in 1929, serves the public by maintaining an archival repository of documents, photographs, rare books and architectural artifacts relating to Jacksonville-area history. With offices located in the Old St. Luke’s Hospital and the newly renovated former Florida Casket Company buildings on Palmetto Street, the nonprofit raises funds for the restoration of local landmarks, provides speakers on a variety of Jacksonville history topics, and leads walking tours, among many other activities.
The Jacksonville History Center is located in the Sports & Entertainment District and is composed of four historic structures – Old St. Luke’s Hospital, Old St. Andrew’s Church, the James E. Merrill House Museum, and the Florida Casket Company Building. The Jacksonville History Center will be curated against the backdrop of Jacksonville’s diverse history, a world class archive, and a growing collection of the region’s historical artifacts. The center will be a local educational destination, a unique and engaging special events venue, and a must-experience cultural attraction for visitors to the region.