Matheson History Museum launches Collections Access and Campus Renewal Initiative

Press release from the Matheson History Museum

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Matheson History Museum has announced the launch of its Collections Access and Campus Renewal Initiative, a transformative project designed to expand public access to the Museum’s collections, improve the visitor experience, and strengthen the Museum’s ability to preserve and share the history of Gainesville, Alachua County, and the surrounding region.

Approved by the Museum’s Board of Directors during its May meeting, the project is funded through a generous grant from the Gladys Gracy Harn Endowment, managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Florida. Minor construction projects and relocation activities are expected to be completed by the end of July 2026.

At the heart of the project is the relocation of the Museum’s research library, archives, and research files into the historic American Legion Hall, where they will become integrated into the Museum’s primary public operations. The move will increase public research access, making local history resources substantially more accessible to students, educators, genealogists, researchers, and the public.

The project will also improve stewardship of the Museum’s collections through better organization of archival materials, dedicated research workspaces, secure storage for special collections, and more efficient use of staff and volunteer resources.

Visitors will also notice significant improvements throughout the Museum campus. The Museum gift shop will be relocated to the other side of the lobby, creating a more welcoming visitor reception area while improving wayfinding and encouraging a more natural flow through the Museum. The Matheson & Company Store exhibit will be relocated and reinterpreted within the new library space, allowing visitors to learn not only about the historic business but also about the exhibit’s own history and the individuals who created it.

Additional improvements include refreshed public spaces, new carpeting, painting, an enhanced display for the Museum’s William Bartram diorama, and preparations for the future activation of the historic Gainesville Gospel Tabernacle building for expanded exhibitions and community programming.

“This project is about much more than moving collections around,” said Salvatore Cumella, Executive Director of the Matheson History Museum. “It is about making our history more accessible, using our historic buildings more effectively, and ensuring that the Museum continues to serve our community in meaningful ways for generations to come. By improving access to our collections and creating a more welcoming visitor experience, we are strengthening our ability to fulfill our mission as Alachua County’s community archive, library, and history museum.”

As an independent nonprofit organization, the Matheson History Museum relies on the generosity of members, donors, volunteers, and community partners to preserve and share the history of our region. Memberships and charitable contributions provide essential support for exhibitions, educational programs, collections care, research services, and the preservation of the Museum’s historic campus.

Community members who would like to support the Museum’s work are encouraged to become members and help ensure that local history remains accessible for future generations.

For more information about the Museum, membership opportunities, or ways to support its mission, visit the Museum’s website at MathesonMuseum.org or contact the staff directly.