Tourist Development Taxes Used for New Museum Exhibits

4/30/21 @ 11:45 a.m. - The Board of County Commissioners levies a Tourist Development Tax on lodging accommodations on Amelia Island. Tourist Development Taxes shall be used to promote tourism. They can also be used to acquire, construct, remodel improve or maintain publicly owned facilities or facilities owned and operated by not-for-profit organizations.

On September 14, 2020, at the recommendation of the Tourist Development Council, the Board of County Commissioners authorized use of $100,000 in TDT funds to sponsor the Amelia Island Museum of History's "Reimagination of Exhibits" project which consisted of renovating and updating all exhibit spaces.

The Amelia Island Museum of History hosts over 25,000 guests per year, 89% of which are from outside of Nassau County. According to the Museum's Director, Phyllis Davis, the Museum's exhibits had not been updated since 2000. This led her and her colleagues to develop a "reimagination" of the exhibits to make the island's story more compelling and more accessible to all ages and learning styles. The new exhibits will include over 5,000 artifacts and will incorporate more historical cultural groups that have contributed to our society, specifically  African Americans and Hispanics.

The Grand Opening Event will take place on Saturday, May 1, 2021, and will feature free admission from 10am-2pm, as well as a host of activities for children and live music.

The Board is honored to have been a part of the Museum's initiative in creating a 21st century experience that residents and visitors can enjoy for years to come. For additional information about the Museum including hours of operation and upcoming events, call (904) 261-7378 or visit www.ameliamuseum.org.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer