Fundraising will continue in support of MOSH Genesis capital campaign
Jacksonville, Fla. –– June 26, 2024 –– The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) today announced it has surpassed its first fundraising goal requirement of $40 million outlined in the development agreement with the City of Jacksonville for the future site of a new museum.
The MOSH Genesis capital campaign launched in 2020 and has since received support from private, corporate and public entities under the leadership of capital campaign chair Jill Davis and MOSH Chief Development Officer, Maureen Mercho.
“We are grateful to every supporter whose contribution has brought us to this first major milestone. Building a project of this magnitude requires the unity of an entire community. Looking ahead, we are committed to raising additional funds from both private and public donors. To all future supporters who will join us in the years ahead, we welcome you to this exciting next phase of the MOSH Genesis campaign,” said Jill Davis, the MOSH Genesis capital campaign chair and vice chair of the MOSH Board of Trustees.
Recent commitments to the project include $10 million from CSX; a $5 million appropriation from the State of Florida in the 2024-2025 budget; and numerous gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations.
“Our team at VyStar Credit Union is proud to be the first corporate donor to publicly support MOSH’s capital campaign. Since announcing our donation of $2.5 million in 2020, many of our peers across Northeast Florida’s business community have joined us in pledging their support for this visionary project,” said VyStar President/CEO Brian Wolfburg, who also serves on the MOSH Board of Trustees.
MOSH has operated in its current location on the Southbank of Downtown Jacksonville since 1969. The Museum’s operations have since outgrown the 33,000 square feet of usable exhibit space; the building of a new, state-of-the-art museum will significantly expand the organization's capacity to serve more students and visitors year-round. Plans for the new Museum of Science & History comprise approximately 130,000 square feet across three floors.
“With this requirement successfully satisfied, we are now setting our sights on the next steps in the project. We are continuing work on the building’s design, exhibits and interactivity with its future setting at the Shipyards,” said Dr. Alistair Dove, CEO of MOSH. “As we enter the next phase of the capital campaign, we will continue to engage our community for their support and input on this significant endeavor. My heartfelt thanks go to the MOSH team, our capital campaign committee and Board of Trustees, and our community advocates for their unwavering dedication to this landmark project.”
For more information about the Museum’s future plans, visit MOSHGenesis.com. To learn about donation opportunities, contact MOSHGenesis@themosh.org.
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About The Museum of Science & History (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 $19.95 for adults; $16.95 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 themosh.org.
Museum funding is provided in part by the City of Jacksonville and the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Inc.; State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; and the National Endowment for the Arts; Historic Museums Grants-in-Aid Program assistance provided by the Bureau of Historical Museums, Division of Historical Resources, Florida Department of State, Secretary of State, private and corporate supporters.