As the museum expanded, preserving the integrity of the original gardens became both a challenge and a priority. Jacksonville’s humid climate, hurricanes, and river flooding threatened the delicate balance of the landscape.
In the 1990s, restoration efforts were undertaken to return the gardens to their historical appearance, guided by old photographs, plans, and records. Horticultural experts reintroduced original plant species, repaired fountains, and restored sightlines to the river.
Today, the gardens are recognized as Nationally Registered Historic Sites, protected not only for their beauty but also for their cultural and architectural value. They remain among the finest examples of early 20th-century garden design in the American South.
The Cummer Fire and the Spirit of Renewal
In 1962, a fire broke out in the original museum building, damaging several galleries and parts of the collection. The incident was a blow to the young institution, but the response from the community was swift and generous. Donations poured in, and reconstruction began almost immediately.
This early test of resilience set the tone for the museum’s history: each setback was met with renewal. Just as Jacksonville had risen from the ashes in 1901, so too did the Cummer Museum after the fire. The rebuilt galleries were more modern and better equipped to protect the growing collection. shutdown123