2018 Smithsonian Museum Day
*The event has already taken place on this date: Sat, 09/22/2018
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
At the Mandarin Museum, admission is always free, but on September 22, visitors will also receive the member discount on many museum store purchases, and all historic buildings in the Walter Jones Historical Park will be open for viewing.
In the Mandarin Museum you can view exhibits that include: a special exhibit of artifacts from the Civil War recovered from the Union steamships Maple Leaf and Columbine; items related to Harriet Beecher Stowe, who wintered in Mandarin from 1867-1884; pottery of Mandarin artist Charlie Brown; and a special World War I exhibit honoring Mandarin resident Pvt. Marion Losco, who was killed in France in 1918. On this day Dr. Keith Holland and several Maple Leaf divers will be present from 12 pm – 4 pm to answer your questions about the ship and the artifact recovery. A gift shop of books, art and items related to local history is available in the museum, and it is the only place where you can purchase the Mandarin Frogs.
The historic 1898 St. Joseph’s Mission Schoolhouse for African-American Children presents the story of the Sisters of St. Joseph, who started a mission of education in 1868 for African-American children in the Mandarin area. The interpretive exhibits also honor the many honors African-American families of Mandarin who took advantage of the opportunity at this school and others like it in the south side of Duval County. Experience what a one-room schoolhouse would have been like at the turn of the 20th century and learn about the challenges that existed for the students and the teachers.
The historic 1875 Webb farmhouse will be open for tours, along with the Losco Winery and the 1876 Barn, all located within the farmstead area of the park. You may view the Wheeler Sawmill, the sugar cane grinder, the agricultural equipment in the barn and the wine making equipment in the winery. The farmhouse, furnished with items from the Walter Jones family and period pieces from the early part of the 20th century, allows visitors to visualize what life was like in our then sleepy little village called Mandarin. Life before electricity, before automobiles and paved roads, and before indoor plumbing! Life when it was peaceful and quiet and you knew all of your neighbors.
Let your imagination take you on a journey back in time as you stroll through the beautiful park. Picture the steamboats coming up the St. Johns and arriving at the wharf with your mail and dry goods, and imagine the screaming whistle of the Maple Leaf as it hit a Confederate mine and went to the bottom of the river.
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.