The museum features permanent exhibits on A. Quinn Jones. There are also exhibits on Florida’s history of education and civil rights. These exhibits share stories that shaped schools and communities across the state. Current exhibits change throughout the year.
“Education was the way out of a dark society.” — Joel Buchanan, one of Gainesville High School’s first African American graduates
Allen Quinn Jones was a dedicated educator and community leader. His family lived in this home starting in 1925. The museum’s exhibits tell the story of Jones and his long career as principal at Lincoln School. They also show the history of Gainesville’s African American community. The exhibits highlight the people, places and events that shaped Alachua County.
Can G’ville Restaurants Legally Evict Negro Patrons? — Gainesville Sun, July 28, 1963
Gainesville experienced the same challenges of the Civil Rights Movement as much of the nation. The museum explores the history of racial unrest, Jim Crow laws, integration and local protests.
“I think a lot of white people in power went through black ministers to get things done or to find out things.” — Betty Stewart-Dowdell, longtime Gainesville resident
African American ministers held great respect and influence in their congregations and the community. They played an important role during segregation and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.