The Matheson History Museum launches a capital campaign for the rehabilitation of the historic Matheson House
Press release from the Matheson History Museum
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The historic Matheson House stands as a remarkable symbol of our shared heritage, and it is currently closed as the Matheson History Museum works to secure the funds needed for the complete rehabilitation of the house. This project will ensure that the Matheson House remains a living part of our community for generations to come.
Constructed in the late 1850s by Alexander Matheson, the Matheson House has watched Gainesville and Alachua County grow and change over the past 170-plus years.
The rehabilitation of the Matheson House will be partially funded through anticipated grants from the Florida Division of Historic Resources, which will support vital systems upgrades and structural preservation. However, community contributions are essential to fully realize this project.
Salvatore Cumella, Executive Director of the Matheson History Museum, said, “Preserving historic sites like the Matheson House is crucial for honoring the legacies of our past and ensuring that future generations can engage with these invaluable cultural resources. The preservation efforts will help safeguard the structural integrity of the house, enhance visitor experiences, and provide educational opportunities for the community.”
The Matheson History Museum is calling on the community to donate to the Historic Matheson House Capital Campaign and directly contribute to the protection and rehabilitation of a local landmark. Every donation will keep the tradition of our local history alive and will be an enduring investment in our shared past and a gift for the future.
While the Matheson House remains closed for rehabilitation, the Museum and Library & Archives continue to operate during their regular hours. Visitors are encouraged to explore ongoing exhibits, access archival materials, and participate in upcoming programs during this time. We encourage the public to follow along with the project on our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, X) and website.
Donation Link: https://mathesonmuseum.networkforgood.com/projects/241416-matheson-house-rehabilitation-project
History of the Matheson House
One of the three oldest residences in Gainesville, the historic Matheson House was completedin the late 1850s by Alexander Matheson, an emigrant from Camden, South Carolina. After theCivil War started, Alexander moved his family back to South Carolina.
In 1867, Alexander’s brother, James Douglas Matheson, married Augusta Florida Steele of CedarKey, and they acquired the house. The house was then bequeathed to James’s son, Chris, who served as the mayor of Gainesville from 1910 through 1917, was a state legislator, and later became a Presbyterian minister. His wife, Sarah Hamilton Matheson, was the first female elder at First Presbyterian Church in Gainesville. Sarah helped form the Alachua County Historical Society and served as its president. She was also a founding Board member of the Matheson Historical Center (now the Matheson History Museum), which opened in 1994. Sarah deeded the Matheson House to the Matheson Historical Center upon her death in 1996.