Upcoming Events
Community Night at Firehouse Subs
Community Night at Firehouse Subs
Come join us Tuesday, September 22 at Firehouse Subs, 375 Kingsley Avenue between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM to share stories, learn more about our events and celebrate local history. A portion of all sales will be donated to the Society to further our mission to preserve Orange Park's history.
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Clarke Cottage Renovation
Community Night at Firehouse Subs
The renovation of the Clarke Cottage is almost complete. However, many items are needed to furnish the cottage to make it comfortable for the public. To that end, the Society is hosting a shower on Saturday, September 19 at 4:00 PM. Please take a look at a list of the items needed and contribute where you can.
Please visit our Clarke Cott
The renovation of the Clarke Cottage is almost complete. However, many items are needed to furnish the cottage to make it comfortable for the public. To that end, the Society is hosting a shower on Saturday, September 19 at 4:00 PM. Please take a look at a list of the items needed and contribute where you can.
Please visit our Clarke Cottage Wish List at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1Q9UIHHJVB3S?ref_=list_d_wl_lfu_nav_3
Quarterly Member Meeting
Join us for a special presentation on Monday, October 19th at 6 PM at the Orange Park Library, 2054 Plainfield Avenue as we travel through history from the comfort of a chair. Learn the stories of some of the colorful, past residents of the Orange Park community, told by a variety of different voices. This presentation will allow folks w
Join us for a special presentation on Monday, October 19th at 6 PM at the Orange Park Library, 2054 Plainfield Avenue as we travel through history from the comfort of a chair. Learn the stories of some of the colorful, past residents of the Orange Park community, told by a variety of different voices. This presentation will allow folks who are not comfortable walking around the cemetery a chance to hear about these individuals with a visual backdrop. These residents will not be featured at Moonlight on Magnolia this year as we simply cannot cover all the personalities in the scope of a walk.
Moonlight on Magnolia
It will soon be fall and that means it’s almost time for Moonlight on Magnolia. This event provides visitors an opportunity to tour Magnolia Cemetery to learn about our town’s history and meet “former residents” to hear stories of their time in Orange Park. A committee is now being formed among members to help organize and run these ann
It will soon be fall and that means it’s almost time for Moonlight on Magnolia. This event provides visitors an opportunity to tour Magnolia Cemetery to learn about our town’s history and meet “former residents” to hear stories of their time in Orange Park. A committee is now being formed among members to help organize and run these annual historical walks through Magnolia Cemetery. This is a much-anticipated event that requires a lot of helpers. We need folks to help with planning, publicity, and execution, including set-up and take down, group organization, front-table management as well as tour guides and performers. If you are interested, contact Cindy Cheatwood at ckcheatwood@hotmail.com. The event is scheduled for October 24th, beginning with set up at 3 PM..
Carrie Clarke Day
The society participates in the annual Carrie Clarke Day festival. The Clarkes were one of the early families in Orange Park and Carrie Clarke was involved in many social activities in our town. The Clarke home and surrounding property was purchased by the Town of Orange Park and now serves as a community park. The Clarke House now serves as our meeting place. Carrie Clarke Day is held each March in Clarke House Park. Come join us for tours of the Clarke House and learn more about the history of our town.
Moonlight on Magnolia
One of the Society's popular events is Moonlight on Magnolia. In October, the public is invited for a tour of Orange Park's Magnolia Cemetery where they learn more about our town's history through "visits" with former residents as portrayed by Society members and other members of our community. This is a fun, family event and a great way to learn about our local history.
Veterans Day Observance
On November 11, 2011, the Historical Society of Orange Park conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Veterans Memorial at Magnolia Cemetery. One year later, with the generous support of the community and the Town of Orange Park, we dedicated the new memorial. Each year on November 11th, the Society hosts a Veterans Day ceremony to honor our service members and the important role they play in our lives. Since 2013, the Society has also sponsored an essay contest in conjunction with the Veterans Day ceremony. Please visit our Veterans Memorial Page to learn more about the memorial, our annual ceremony and our essay contest.
Hometown Holiday
In December the 100-year-old Clarke House is open for tours decorated in circa 1920-style. Guests learn about the early residents of Orange Park and local celebrities as historical re-enactors, stationed inside and around the Clarke House in period clothes, tell their stories. The Town of Orange Park offers festive lights throughout Clarke House Park to give it the added sparkle of the season. A shopping village, entertainment and activities for children are all on hand for a true community holiday celebration.
Open House -Clarke House Tours
The Clarke House, built in 1912 and located in Clarke House Park, 1039 Kingsley Avenue, is open for tours the second Sunday of each month from 2 PM to 4 PM. Sunday afternoons are the perfect time for a leisurely tour of the house, both upstairs and downstairs.
Clarke House and Cemetery Tours
Private Guided Tours of Historic Clarke House and Magnolia Cemetery Available
Homeschool, civic and social groups are welcome to schedule a free guided tour of the 1913 historic Clarke House and/or Magnolia Cemetery. For more information, contact the Historical Society of Orange Park at info@ophistory.org. Groups will be scheduled based on the availability of guides.
Orange Park Historic Driving Tour
Looking for somewhere to explore or something to do in Clay County? Visit the Explore Clay website, Explore Clay County - Small Towns, Big Passions, for plenty of suggestions.
One of the activities is a tour of historic buildings in Orange Park. This driving tour takes you to 23 historical structures that hold positions of prominence in Orange Park’s history and continue to serve today. Please remember most locations are private residences and should be viewed from the street.
To access the tour visit, download the Explore Clay mobile app from the Explore Clay website or by clicking: Clay County - Mobile App. Once you have the app downloaded, search for the tour then dive into the rich history of Orange Park.
