Florida School for the Deaf Alumni Association
FSDB Museum
The FSDB Museum is the fulfillment of a dream for many FSDB alumni. Finally, the vast collection of FSDB memorabilia has a home!
The Museum features cultural displays that highlight the school’s rich heritage, legacy, and cultural values. It houses collections of historic photographs, vintage memorabilia, artifacts and stories of interest to the FSDB community and visitors alike. Physical information in the museum is grouped in History, Archives, and Alumni sections, which include but are not limited to:
Archives
School yearbooks
Homecoming program books
Commencement & Senior Awards program books
Florida School Herald publications
Sports program books
History Section
Chronology of FSDB Presidents
History of Campus Buildings
School Artifacts (servingware, diplomas, etc.)
Time Capsule (to be opened at 2025 homecoming)
Class Photos of Graduates
Academic & Vocational Memorabilia
Sports Memorabilia
Alumni
Student Registers (and Alumni Database)
Programs for Class Reunions & Alumni Weekends
Alumni Obituaries
In October 1995, the Museum drew over 1,000 alumni, friends, and students. It quickly became apparent that there was a tremendous need for a larger space to house the Museum’s information and artifacts for future visitors.
In 1997, architectural plans were drawn up to renovate the first floor of Building 12 (formerly the household department) into a permanent site for FSDB memorabilia. The Museum moved to its new location in late 1998 and opened its doors to visitors in 1999.
In the spring of 2000, the FSDB Board of Trustees officially approved a resolution made by then-President Elmer Dillingham, officially changing the name of Building 12 to Alumni Hall. On October 27, 2000, Georgette Fleischman, then the oldest living FSDB alumni, cut the ribbon at the dedication ceremony.
The original volunteers who worked to make the FSDB Museum a reality were Diane Gobble, Dianne Hodgins, Beverly Oliver, John Oliver, and Sara Winchester, with Brenda Jean Woods as coordinator. Brenda Jean later served as the Museum’s first director (1992-2009). Today, more than 20 loyal volunteers keep the Museum running smoothly and the displays accurate and attractive.
The FSDB Museum is open to the public during homecoming weekends and alumni reunions, and all other times by appointment.
To schedule an appointment, contact:
Brendan “BP” Murphy
Historian, Museum
904.342.1706 V/VP