Old Dozier School building to be the site of the Jackson County Museum.

Jackson County, Fla. - The Jackson County Museum might take longer than expected.

Construction has started, but there’s a lot to be done.

The Executive Director of Tourism in Jackson County, Kelsi Jackson, said they created a strategic phased approach to take baby steps in construction to avoid running out of money and keep moving forward.

The museum is going to be highlighting the rich history of Jackson County. The museum will also take the place of Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys’ cafeteria building.

“When it comes to Dozier’s history, it has a very long and complex history. With it being in the former cafeteria building and next to the white house monument, it gives us a really great opportunity to complete the rest of the narrative that isn’t as commonly known as the information that’s out there about Dozier,” said Jackson.

The museum planning committee has been hosting workshops to get everyone involved. They’re asking residents for their help in history research, artifact donations, exhibit ideas, fundraising, and sponsorships.

“So for our very first workshop, it exceeded all of my expectations for the number of folks that were gonna turn out and really making sure that we are really finding the key parts of Jackson county’s story that we want to make sure live on for the next generations to learn about,” said Jackson.

The director of tourism said they do not have an opening date at this time. But there will be more workshops all over the county between October and March.