Purchase Tickets Become a Sponsor An inaugural spring gathering marking the 125th anniversary of the Great Fire of 1901 and the spirit of renewal that followed. The Great Fire Gathering is supported by a grant from the Delores Barr Weaver Forever Event Fund, est. 2015. What to Expect Outdoor low country boil Cocktail hour with passed appetizers Open bar featuring a signature cocktail, beer, and wine Fire pits, live music, and conversation A brief program and awards presentation VIP Experience: Arrive early for a special VIP cocktail hour curated by Manifest Distilling, including a bourbon and whiskey tasting featuring Manifest, local, and national products. Event Snapshot Date: Friday, May 1, 2026 Time: 6:00 p.m. (VIP Reception at 5:00 p.m.) Location: Jacksonville History Center Honoring Jacksonville’s Stewards The evening will include brief remarks and the presentation of two awards recognizing Jacksonville’s spirit of renewal: The Rebuilder Award, presented this year to JWB Real Estate Capital, honors an individual or company whose preservation or redevelopment efforts carry forward the spirit of renewal that shaped Jacksonville after the Great Fire of 1901—celebrating work that contributes to Jacksonville’s built environment and advances how the city’s spaces serve the community today and in the future. The Keeper of the Flame Award, presented to Wayne Wood, recognizes a community member whose dedication to local history keeps Jacksonville’s stories alive for future generations. Sponsorship Opportunities Sponsorships support the Jacksonville History Center and include recognition benefits. Sponsorship recognition will be added as commitments are confirmed. You can download a PDF of the sponsorship kit HERE. Questions? Contact Maureen Natkin at maureen.natkin@jaxhistory.org or (914) 494-3345. Purchase Tickets Become a Sponsor Event Leadership* Great Fire Gathering Committee Co-Chairs Veronica and Harrison Frazier Courtney and Matt Gumbinger Committee Members Dave and Katherine Auchter Pat Andrews and Fred Lambrou Dave Chauncey Fred and Adrienne Kent Emily and Lawrence Lisska Wayne Wood and Lana Shuttleworth *Committee in formation Thank You to Our Sponsors We are grateful to the generous sponsors whose support makes the Great Fire Gathering possible and helps advance the work of the Jacksonville History Center.* Heritage Sponsors Legacy Keeper Sponsors Matt and Karen Carlucci Lawrence and Kathy Kanter Preserver Sponsors Pat Andrews and Fred Lambrou J.F. and Peggy Bryan Storyteller Sponsors Jim and Lisa Bolling Howard and Nancy Dale Tim and Paula Gaskin Harrison Frazier IT Consulting Ann C. Hicks In-Kind Sponsors *As of 3/16/2026
