A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center
The A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center, housed in the former Jones Family home at 1013 NW 7th Avenue in Gainesville, Serves as a tribute to one of the most influential educators in the history of Alachua County. The Museum features a permanent exhibit on “Prof” Jones, the people and places of the Fifth Avenue/Pleasant Street neighborhood, and houses a collection of oral histories centering on the African-American experience in Gainesville. The rest of the space will house rotating exhibits.
A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center
Unique oral histories are the bedrock of sharing culture through time, but with this passage of time, it is inevitable that some of these stories will become lost or obscured. We need to act now to preserve the rich history that continues to inspire generation after generation. We are fortunate today that we are able to create an accurate and lively record of the past while memories are still strong. In addition, it is vitally important that we preserve the example set by community leaders like “Prof” Jones to endow young people with the inspiration to realize their full potential.
Meet A Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center Historian & Coordinator Desmon D. Walker
A graduate of Buchholz High School in 1994, Desmon D. Walker was the first African American female President of the Student Government Association. She did her undergraduate work at Bethune Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications with cum laude honors. She also received her Master’s degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida.
A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center | 1013 NW 7th Avenue | Gainesville, FL 32601 | (352) 334-2010
In Partnership With:
Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency
City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs
Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network.
MBL: What does it mean to be the coordinator of The A. Quinn Jones Museum?
Ms. Walker: It means that you have an incredible opportunity to preserve, protect, and present the accomplishments of an amazing group of people. We
are continuously researching and gathering information, It’s an honor.
MBL: When was the Museum created and how is it funded?
Ms. Walker: A little over 10 years ago the Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency met with residents, businesses and other stake holders in the 5th Ave. District. They discussed the possibility of there being a museum recognizing the accomplishments of A. Quinn Jones. They were met with a resounding, “Yes!”
The museum is managed by Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. We are funded in part, by the 1/2 cent tax through Wild Spaces and Public Places.
MBL: One of the exhibits is Lincoln High School. What did the all black High School mean to the community before integration?
Ms. Walker: Lincoln High School was not just important to this community, but it was important to the State and the entire country. Lincoln High School was the second accredited school in Florida, for African Americans. It set a standard for other schools throughout the state and country.
MBL: What will visitors see when they come to the Museum?
Ms. Walker: They will see five gallery spaces dedicated to telling the story of A. Quinn Jones, Lincoln High School and the 5th Avenue Pleasant Street District. We have listening stations which gives the oral history of that time period, and visitors will hear from former city commissioners, community activists, and A. Quinn Jones himself.
For more information, please visit: https://www.aqjmuseum.org/
Address: 1013 NW 7TH Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601
Phone Number: (352) 334-2010
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