Exploring the Legacy of Norman Studios Silent Film Museum
The Norman Studios Silent Film Museum in Arlington, Florida, offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era when Jacksonville was known as the Winter Film Capital of the world. Although few physical remnants remain of this once-thriving film industry, the museum stands as a testament to that rich history. Volunteers at the museum lead tours on the first and third Saturdays of each month, aiming to preserve and share the legacy of this historic site.
The museum is located on the grounds of what was once a bustling silent-film studio complex. Despite the fact that no films have been shot there for decades, the site still includes several key structures such as a set building, wardrobe cottage, props garage, and a generator building. The main studio building now serves as the museum, housing exhibits that showcase the history of silent films and the role of Norman Studios in that era.
A Unique Historical Site
What makes the Norman Studios Silent Film Museum stand out is its status as a rare full silent-film studio complex in the country. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015 and is owned by the city of Jacksonville. However, it is operated by a nonprofit organization with no employees, relying heavily on volunteers to maintain and promote the museum.
Most of the buildings are closed to the public, but the focus remains on the first floor of the production building, which contains the museum’s collection. The second story of the building remains unfinished, but there are plans to utilize these spaces in the future. Originally built as a cigar factory that never opened, the site was repurposed in 1916 when Eagle Film City began operating a silent-film studio there.
Richard E. Norman and His Vision
In the early 1920s, Richard E. Norman acquired the site and began producing race films featuring Black casts aimed at Black audiences. He had previously gained recognition for traveling across the country and shooting the same film multiple times with local casts. Choosing Jacksonville for his studio was strategic due to its large Black population and favorable weather conditions for filming.
While some of the Eagle City films still exist, most of the Norman Studios movies were recorded on film that either deteriorated or was lost over time. Titles such as “Sleepy Sam the Sleuth,” “The Crimson Skull,” “The Green Eyed Monster,” and “The Bull-Dogger” were among the films produced at the studio. However, only one film, “The Flying Ace,” survives in its entirety. It was added to the Library of Congress’s National Film Registry in 2021 and features a prop airplane that is displayed in the museum. Visitors can also enjoy an interactive flying game that simulates the experience of piloting a plane.
Future Plans and Community Involvement
Devan Stuart Lesley, media and publicity director, believes that prints of some Norman Studios films may still be discovered. She is particularly optimistic about finding a copy of “The Bull-Dogger,” a 1922 film starring Black rodeo cowboy Bill Pickett. “I have a feeling that we’ll eventually find a copy of ‘Bull-Dogger,’ and it will come out of Europe,” she said.
The museum also houses a brick-lined vault that was opened in 2002 when the city purchased the complex. Inside, old reels, film cans, equipment, and an old toy camera belonging to Norman’s son were found. The toy camera is now on display, along with movie posters and cameras.
Additional Highlights and Visitor Information
For many residents of Jacksonville, the Norman Studios hold a special place in their memories, not for its film history, but for its association with the Gloria Norman Dance Studio, which operated on the site for decades. The dance studio was run by Richard Norman’s wife long after the end of film production.
Although the museum does not currently show films or host large events, there are plans for future development. These include converting the wardrobe cottage into a concession stand and gift shop, developing the second floor of the main building, and adding a summer camp for kids.
Visiting the Museum
The Norman Studios Silent Film Museum is located at 6337 Arlington Road in Jacksonville. Tours are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. For more information, visit normanstudios.org.
