JAX Chamber: Casket Factory Renovation Spurred By Generous Gifts

Jacksonville FL

23 November, 2021

1:42 PM

Description

Press release from the JAX Chamber: November 23, 2021   Alan J. Bliss, CEO for the Jacksonville Historical Society, said that a $400,000 donation from Preston Haskell, founder of Haskell, a Jacksonville-based global provider of architecture, engineering and construction services, will be used for the establishment of the Haskell Archive of Jacksonville on the second floor of the three-story building known as the Casket Factory.   "This is an extraordinary event in the life of this organization, and indeed in the work of public history in this city," said Bliss. "I am aware of no previous gift of similar scale that was aimed at the preservation and public representation of Jacksonville's history. In the 92-year existence of the JHS, Mr. Haskell's donation will be the largest single monetary gift to date."   Bliss also noted that since arriving in Jacksonville in September 1962, Mr. Haskell has "found countless, innovative ways to be a great citizen of Jacksonville, and its people have   Also at the annual meeting, held Nov. 11 at Old St. Andrew's Church, the nonprofit received a gift of $50,000 from the Clifford and LaVonne Graese Foundation, also intended for the renovation of the Casket Factory. Believing that the preservation and showcasing of history matters, the Foundation's president, Diane Graese, directed this donation, noting that the organization does not accept grant requests.   Bliss said both Ms. Graese and Mr. Haskell's generous support for the work of the Jacksonville Historical Society "is a resounding vote of confidence in the value of history, and the work that we do. We are honored, as well as inspired, by these actions."   "These gifts build upon support already received from the Delores Barr Weaver Foundation, the City of Jacksonville, and other significant donors, positioning the Historical Society to execute the next phases of this much-needed expansion," said Bliss.   With interior demolition completed, those phases include review and approval of the build-out plan, and application for building permits. For more information about this topic, call (904) 665-0064 or email [email protected].     This press release was produced by the JAX Chamber. The views expressed here are the author's own.