Jacksonville's Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is closer to achieving its goal of raising $20 million in community support for expanding and modernizing the museum.
The MOSH announced Thursday that PNC Bank has committed $500,000 to the MOSH 2.0 capital campaign. MOSH 2.0, which was announced in March 2019, has a total fundraising goal of $80 million from both public and private sources.
In 2019, the museum released architectural renderings, saying a groundbreaking on the expansion was expected in 2023.
With its gift, PNC Bank will be recognized as the title sponsor of all early learning initiatives at MOSH, presenting sponsor of the new Preschool Days Program, and the naming rights sponsor of the forthcoming Research Vessel/Maker Space.
“At MOSH 2.0, the early learning center will be a stimulating, interactive and fun exhibit, perfect for little ones to flourish. We’re thankful for MOSH’s innovative and inclusive thinking about pre-k education, because when children are given the tools to thrive, their future becomes even brighter,” said Brian Bucher, PNC regional president in a statement sent to WJCT News.
PNC also pledged to invest in educational resources for First Coast families through an agreement with WJCT Public Media. The MOSH and WJCT will develop a series of videos showcasing early learning activities that will introduce science concepts for children from birth to age 5. The videos will air on WJCT as well as on the WJCT and MOSH websites and social media.
"Both WJCT and MOSH are innovative leaders in connecting with learners of all ages," said Bucher, adding, "Collaborating with both organizations we will be able to reach children and caregivers and families with high quality education content."
In February, the MOSH announced a $2.5 million VyStar Credit Union donation for MOSH 2.0.
The MOSH 2.0 plan calls for reorienting the museum’s entryway toward the St. Johns River and expanding from 77,000 square feet to 120,000 square feet.
The expansion plans announced last year include a café on the park, a rooftop conference center, event space and an exhibit space expansion.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
Photo used under Creative Commons license.
