With March being women’s history month, the Beaches Museum has its share of upcoming events that will celebrate women in a variety of ways.
To start, the museum’s current exhibit is called “Salt Run and the Sea” which features the works of local artist Jenna Alexander, whose studio is based in St. Augustine. Alexander’s work will be on display as part of the exhibition until June 22.
She specializes in oil painting on canvas and much of her artwork reflects the world around her and often depicts the soothing nature scenes that have become common with living in Northeast Florida, especially along the beaches.
One of the beauties of Alexander’s approach is that she never knows what aspects of her daily life will capture her attention and turn into her next piece of art, usually discovered during her hikes through nature.
The history of the Beaches Museum is rich with influential female figures, none more important than the late Jean H. McCormick, who was instrumental in the founding of the Beaches Area Historical Society.
The Beaches Museum’s endowment fund is named in McCormick’s honor.
Local author Dorothy Fletcher is also highlighted this month by the museum as she will be the guest speaker at a Boardwalk Talk event and book signing on March 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Beaches Museum.
Fletcher has written several books over the years diving into the history of Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach, including a book about the car culture in the area, one on the memorable movie theatres and drive-ins that became popular spots over the years, and one looking back on what it was like to grow up in Jacksonville in the 1950s and 1960s.
Her books are available to purchase in the museum’s gift shop and members of the Beaches Museum will receive 15% off any of her books during the month of March.
Members will also be able to attend Fletcher’s Boardwalk Talk for free, while a $5 donation is suggested for non-members.
Finally, the League of Women Voters will be holding a special reading of two informative and timely works by local playwright Toby Armour in the Beaches Museum chapel on March 15 beginning at 4 p.m.
The readings will be “Aunt Susan,” which tells the story of Susan B. Anthony’s struggle for a woman’s right to vote, while the other reading will be “Her Tennessee Waltz,” which is a retelling of Carrie Chapman Catt and her fight to ratify the 19th Amendment.
The Beaches Museum is located at 381 Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville Beach.
