Thornwell Celebrates the Dedication of the Home of Peace Welcome Center and Museum

The Home of Peace was the original home to Thornwell’s first children in 1875.

Thornwell, a nonprofit organization committed to serving children and families in need across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, has dedicated the Home of Peace on its campus as the official Welcome Center and Museum. The Home of Peace was the original residence of Thornwell’s founder, Dr. William Plumer Jacobs, and his wife, Mary. Thornwell opened on October 1st, 1875, to ten children orphaned by the Civil War who would find refuge inside the walls of the Home of Peace. A dedication ceremony, Friday, welcomed more than 100 guests to celebrate the grand opening of the renovated home to the public.

“As we celebrate 148 years on our Founders Day, it is extra special to do this in the shadow of the home that started it all. If these walls could talk, I know they would tell a story of love, loss, dedication, and profound life change,” said Myron Wilkins, President of Thornwell. “I am grateful that our visitors will be able to experience the heart of what Thornwell was when we first opened our doors and bear witness to who we hope to be another 150 years from now.”

Following a two-year historical renovation and exhibit curation, visitors to the Home of Peace will be able to step back in time to experience the Home of Peace as it may have looked in 1875. Additionally, a brand-new exhibit will guide visitors through the chronological history of Thornwell, from its first donation of a half-dollar made by a 10-year-old boy named Willie Anderson in 1872 to the present day. Friday’s ceremony welcomed descendants of both the Jacobs and Anderson families, who are uniquely linked through Dr. Jacob’s vision for Thornwell and Willie’s selfless gift to ensure it was built.

“The renovation of the Home of Peace is the product of countless hours of research and conversations, digging through archives and connecting with families like the Jacobs and Andersons who have a vested interest in seeing Thornwell continue to thrive,” said Lindy Scott, Thornwell’s Executive Vice President. “I truly believe Dr. Jacobs would be proud to know that his vision long ago continues to bear fruit by the grace of God and the many who devote themselves to the betterment of vulnerable children and families. The Home of Peace is a symbol of this, and I am thrilled the public will now come to experience its rich history.”

To visit the Home of Peace and to tour Thornwell’s campus, visit Thornwell’s website at https://thornwell.org/get-involved/schedule-a-tour/.

Click on the images in the photo gallery to get a glimpse of the event and the Home of Peace.