Norman Studios, in conjunction with the Modern Woodmen of America, announces a screening of Hollywood East at the Regency Square Branch of the Jacksonville Public Library at 9900 Regency Square Boulevard, on Saturday, October 9, at 3:00 p.m. A presentation by Barbara Wingo, Vice President and Curator of the Norman Studios Silent Film Museum, Inc., wlll follow the showing. Hollywood East details the history of Jacksonville as the Winter Film Capital of the World between 1908 and 1918 and introduces the audience to Norman Studios, which made feature-length films in Jacksonville from 1919 through 1928. These motion pictures were so-called “race films” that showed African-Americans in positive, non-stereotypical ways in contrast to the prevailing negative stereotypes reflected in the motion pictures of the day.
In addition to the showing of Hollywood East, Barbara Wingo will present a history of Norman Studios. She will also present an update on the Studios’ transformation into a museum, on its value to the City of Jacksonville and on what this truly unique National Historic Landmark needs in order to continue its status as the only “race films” studio in the nation as well as one of the few remaining, and probably the only remaining complete, silent film studio complexes.
Dr. Wingo remarks that this will be an “important update on the status of the renovations at the Studios as well as the Studios’ needs. Following an introduction to the history of Jacksonville as a film-making center, we look forward to sharing the progress of our museum with our Jacksonville constituents.” “At Modern Woodmen of America, we are honored to partner with Norman Studios to present this Educational Event to our members and guests from our community,” says Andy Pearl, Financial Representative with Modern Woodmen of America in Jacksonville.
About Norman Studios:
Founded in 1916 as Eagle Film City and purchased by Richard E. Norman in the 1920s, Norman Studios was among the nation’s first to produce “race films” starring African-American characters in positive, non-stereotypical roles. Norman’s five-building complex, now a National Historic Landmark, survives in Jacksonville’s Old Arlington neighborhood. The mission of our 501(c)3 organization is to preserve, present and promote the history of silent motion pictures and race films through the reunification and restoration of the Norman Studios complex as a museum, education, film and community center. Learn more at normanstudios.org.
About Modern Woodmen of America:
Modern Woodmen of America is a member-owned fraternal financial services organization. Together with nearly 740,000 members, we’ve been touching lives and securing futures since 1883.
Our members’ common bonds
Throughout Modern Woodmen’s history, our members have touched lives and secured futures nationwide. Today members remain connected by common values, including:
- Financial security for families, through life insurance, retirement planning and financial services.
- Quality family life, through member benefits and local fraternal activities.
- Community impact, through local volunteer projects that make a difference where members live, work and play.
For more information about Modern Woodmen of America and it’s fraternal impact in Jacksonville, please reach out to:
Andy Pearl, Financial Representative – 904-504-4706
or
Walter Bowden, Managing Partner – 904-534-7394