CSX, one of Jacksonville’s largest employers, recently announced a landmark $10 million contribution to the Museum of Science & History (MOSH) in support of the MOSH Genesis capital campaign, solidifying CSX as a leading private funding partner of the MOSH Genesis. With this gift, CSX will be recognized as the presenting sponsor of the new Museum of Science & History.
“We are immensely grateful to CSX for their transformational gift to the MOSH Genesis,” said Jill Davis, chair of the Genesis capital campaign cabinet and vice chair of the MOSH board of trustees. “This generous contribution will have a lasting impact on our institution, enabling us to create a museum that offers engaging exhibits, dynamic educational programs, and memorable experiences for visitors of all ages on the Northbank of the St. Johns River.”
“Investing in the transformation of our downtown through the MOSH Genesis vision aligns with our company’s commitment to our city’s cultural and educational vibrancy,” said Joe Hinrichs, CSX president and chief executive officer. “We are proud to lend our name to an institution that promises to inspire the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). These fields directly support our business operations while reinforcing Northeast Florida’s status as a logistics leader. Our support for the MOSH Genesis capital campaign is an extension of our commitment to this region and its future growth.”
The MOSH Genesis capital campaign supports plans for the MOSH to relocate to a new building on the Northbank of the St. Johns River in Downtown Jacksonville. In May 2023, legislation for a disposition and development agreement for 2.5 acres of city-owned land at the Shipyards property commonly known as Lot X was signed into law. The legislation grants the MOSH a 40-year ground lease of the land for $1 per year; design of the park and the Riverwalk; and other agreements related to the creation of a new museum and surrounding park spaces.
“CSX’s use of scientific and innovative principles have made history within the transportation industry,” said MOSH CEO Alistair Dove. “Today, their remarkable contribution makes a different kind of history as the largest single donation to date to the MOSH Genesis capital campaign. We look forward to joining CSX on the Northbank in the years ahead.”
CSX has been a staple in Northeast Florida’s economic and philanthropic sectors since moving its headquarters to Jacksonville in 2003. The Fortune 500 company supports multiple organizations throughout the city that reflect CSX’s commitment to serving the community through partnerships that promote education, drive ingenuity and contribute to cultural enrichment.
“The city is grateful to CSX for its extremely generous gift to MOSH Genesis, which will go a long way towards helping the institution relocate to the Northbank,” said Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan. “We look forward to seeing not only MOSH’s new, state-of-the-art facility, but also the tremendous impact it will have on downtown.”
MOSH has operated in its current location on the Southbank of downtown Jacksonville since 1969. The museum’s operations have since outgrown the 33,000 square feet of usable exhibit space; building a new museum will significantly expand the organization’s capacity to serve more students and visitors year-round. Plans for the new Museum of Science & History comprise approximately 130,000 square feet across three floors.
For more information about the museum’s plans, go to MOSHGenesis.com. To learn about donation opportunities, contact MOSHGenesis@themosh.org.
