A. Quinn Jones : A Legacy Worth Preserving
In 1923, A. Quinn Jones became the first principal of Lincoln High School. Affectionately known as “Prof” Jones, this innovative educator steadfastly believed that his graduates deserved the opportunity to earn a full high school diploma. After years of hard work, “Prof” Jones developed Lincoln High School into the second fully accredited African-American high school in the state of Florida.
In recognition of his accomplishments, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior listed the home of A. Quinn Jones in the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. The Legacy Project will preserve this historic landmark. Once completed, the A. Quinn Jones Museum and the Heritage Trail will be a tribute to a man who dedicated his life to increasing access to and improving the quality of the education available to the African-American community in Florida.
Honoring the Legacy
In 2009, the Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in partnership with the City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs initiated The Legacy Project: Stories of Hope and Determination in the Fifth Avenue / Pleasant Street Redevelopment Area.
The objective is to celebrate the inspiring life of A. Quinn Jones, honor the people he influenced, and preserve the unique cultural heritage created when ordinary citizens achieve extraordinary accomplishments.
The Legacy Project will share this remarkable piece of history with a broad audience and fill visitors with pride, enlightenment and inspiration to greater personal achievement.