JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Arlington’s century-old Norman Studios, a former silent film studio founded in Jacksonville in 1916 that highlights the city’s history as America’s first Hollywood, is holding a gala on Saturday, Jan. 18, to celebrate the opening of a new set building and honor a champion of Jacksonville’s silent film history.
The new set building at the National Historic Landmark will be named in honor of local preservationist Rita Reagan, who passed away in 2023 shortly after the museum opened.
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Rita Reagan was a fierce advocate for preserving Jacksonville’s silent film history.
According to Barbara Wingo, president of Norman Studios Silent Film Museum, Reagan’s dedication extended beyond her passion for preservation.
“She was extremely interested in historic preservation,” Wingo said. “But two, she very much emphasized that this was a civil rights site, because of the kinds of movies that were being made here.”
In the early 1920s, Norman Studios was among the nation’s first to produce “race films” starring African American characters in positive, non-stereotypical roles, according to the museum’s website. Norman Studios is the sole surviving studio from Jacksonville’s heyday as a major film production hub and one of the first to produce African American films.
It’s named in honor of Richard Norman. It was on that very property that he produced and made films starring Black actors and portraying them in a positive light. Like The Green Eyed Monster and The Flying Ace.
Donate: Click here to donate to the restoration and development of Norman Studios
The museum itself is the centerpiece of the five-building Norman Studios complex. It serves as a testament to Jacksonville’s rich history as the “Winter Film Capital of the World.” The newly completed set building, named for Reagan, will serve as a space for performances and film screenings in the future.
The dedication ceremony will also serve as a reunion of sorts for Jacksonville broadcasting legend Harry Reagan, Rita Reagan’s husband. Harry Reagan joined WJXT in 1968 and served as an investigative reporter and editorial director until 1990. He plans to attend the gala to honor his wife’s legacy.
“It was an amazing 62 years. I am just very grateful to have met her, by accident,” Harry said, reflecting on their life together.
When asked about his thoughts on the dedication, Harry shared his excitement. “I’m very excited, but it’s something that’s well deserved. And it’s very, very nice,” he said.
Related: Lights, Camera, Action! Jacksonville was America’s first Hollywood
Preserving history for future generations
Barbara Wingo also expressed her gratitude for Rita Reagan’s work and said the building dedication is a fitting way to honor her legacy.
“We’re very thankful for Rita and all the work she did and all the enthusiasm she showed,” Wingo said. “I think this particular performance and this celebration would have been what she’d like. But also showing the importance of this property to the development of civil rights and the progress perhaps that we’ve made since then.”
Norman Studios Silent Film Museum continues to shine a light on Jacksonville’s unique contribution to film history, thanks in large part to Reagan’s efforts. The gala will begin at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Rita Reagan Set Building on Commerce Street in Arlington.
The five-building studio complex, now a 501(c)3 organization, works to unify, restore and reopen this historic complex as a thriving community, learning, research and tourism center.
Take a free tour
Norman Studios also offers free tours to the public on the first and third Saturday of each month between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is also free. Click here for more information.
While the tour and museum are free, the organization relies on donations to continue restorations, research and community events. Click here to donate and here to learn ways you can get involved.
