We are kicking off 2025 with a strong lineup of in-person events to titillate, thrill and tickle your curiosity about the past, present and future of Jacksonville.
Saturday January 11th
On Saturday January 11th from 9am until 11am, The Jaxson’s Mike Field is hosting a walking tour of San Marco, in conjunction with the San Marco Preservation Society.
San Marco was formerly the independent town of South Jacksonville. From its first period of major growth in the 1920s to the present, the neighborhood features a wide diversity of architectural styles, including Renaissance revival, Craftsman, Art Deco and more. Today, the neighborhood is well known for its vibrant commercial district, San Marco Square, and for being home to many of Jacksonville’s best restaurants and bars.
Tickets are $25; kids 12 and under are free. A portion of proceeds benefit the San Marco Preservation Society.
Purchase tickets here
75th anniversary of San Marco Branch Library
Jacksonville Public Library Collection
That same day, the Jacksonville Public Library is commemorating the 75th anniversary of San Marco Branch Library with a series of public programs focused on the past, present and future of the neighborhood. This year-long celebration of the San Marco community, its residents and their library officially kicks off this January.
The Jaxson’s Kelsi Hasden will moderate a “Forward Thinking” panel discussion on Saturday, January 11, from 11am to 12pm next door in the Balis Community Center. A panel of community members involved in the San Marco neighborhood will discuss the history of the San Marco Library and the neighborhood, how the area has developed into what it is today, and where it’s going in the future.
Attendance is free, however seating capacity is limited
Saturday January 18th
On Saturday January 18th, join The Jaxson’s Mike Field for a guided walking tour of Murray Hill begniining at 9am.
Murray Hill, one of urban Jacksonville’s emerging historic neighborhoods, has a long and colorful history. Once a separate city before being annexed by Jacksonville in 1925, it’s the birthplace of Lynyrd Skynyrd founding member Gary Rossington, the place where convicted serial killer Ottis Toole burned down his mother’s house and site of a cluster of homes designed by Henrietta Dozier, Jacksonville’s first female architect.
In recent years the Hill has boomed with new residents and businesses, turning this Westside neighborhood into a hub for artists, bohemians and entrepreneurs. The tour will explore the iconic neighborhood’s history and the trends shaping its future.
Enjoy a complimentary beer after the tour at Fishweir Brewing Company.
A portion of tour proceeds will benefit events and programming in the Murray Hill neighborhood during the 2025 calendar year.
Tickets can be purchased here
Saturday January 25th
On Saturday January 25th, join The Jaxson’s Mike Field for a guided walking tour of Springfield, one of Jacksonville’s most popular historic neighborhoods.
Established as a mixed-use neighborhood north of Downtown Jacksonville in 1869, Springfield is home to some of the city’s best examples of historic architecture in a wide variety of styles.
In recent years Springfield’s walkable streets and attractive buildings have made it one of the hottest neighborhoods in the Urban Core, and as a result, it has seen considerable change, including new development and the pressures of gentrification and displacement. The tour will explore the iconic neighborhood’s history and the trends shaping its future.
A portion of tour sales will go to support SPAR Council. Established in 1974, SPAR is a grassroots non-profit organization devoted to the preservation and revitalization of the Historic Springfield neighborhood.
Tickets can be purchased here