Wentworth Foundation endows PSC chair

The T.T. Wentworth Jr. Historical Foundation, Inc. has completed its final phase by placing a parting gift of more than $100,000 with Pensacola State College to establish a perpetual resource for distinguished teachers and scholars.

The Mr. and Mrs. T.T. Wentworth Jr. Endowed Chair in American History honors both Rosabel and Theodore Thomas “Tom” Wentworth Jr. for their dedication in preserving and celebrating the history of Northwest Florida and the State of Florida.

“For decades, the name T.T. Wentworth Jr. has been synonymous with history and learning for students of all ages,” said Pensacola State President Ed Meadows.

“We are honored to be part of the legacy of Tom and Rosabel Wentworth, and we look forward to continuing their zest for exploring our past through this very generous endowed chair.”

Often referred to as “Mr. History,” Tom Wentworth Jr. (1898-1989) was a Pensacola entrepreneur, collector, politician, educator, preservationist, community promoter and realtor. His collection of artifacts and miscellanea was organized as the T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum in 1988.

“Mr. Tom Wentworth loved preserving the history of West Florida, and he loved sharing his collection of historical artifacts with children and young people,” said Sharon Yancey, president of the T.T. Wentworth Jr. Historical Foundation. “As his foundation board began to realize its purpose had been achieved, we wanted a fitting way to celebrate this amazing legacy and historian.

“With this gift of an endowed chair in American history, the work of T.T. Wentworth Jr. will continue for generations yet to be. From the early days at the Dorothy Walton House museum, to the museum in Ensley where Mr. Tom welcomed us all with a wooden nickel, to the T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum, and now the endowed chair at Pensacola State, his work of educating young people on the power and purpose of history continues.”

The Wentworth endowed chair is a three-year award that recognizes an outstanding professor/instructor in the PSC History, Languages, and Social Sciences Department and supports projects and professional development that benefit the recipient’s classroom performance and students.

“This is a wonderful gift; it provides additional faculty resources that can be used to make Florida history and Gulf Coast history come alive for our students,” said Susan Morgan, History, Languages, and Social Sciences Department head. “It brings honor to our department and spotlights what we are doing.”

After announcing the establishment of the endowed chair on May 24, the T.T. Wentworth Jr. Historical Foundation held its final board meeting and dissolved the Foundation.

Dr. Jane Wentworth, daughter of Tom and Rosabel, recalled the Wentworth foundation has provided funds since the mid-1960s to help preserve the history of Northwest Florida and to assist in educating young people and preserving historical artifacts for future generations.

“It is with sadness that we are closing out the foundation, but with joy that the funds will be used by Pensacola State College to educate young people who are interested in history,” said Dr. Wentworth. “We are grateful to the college for establishing an endowed chair in American history in memory of my parents, Rosabel and T.T. Wentworth Jr.

“My family wishes to express our appreciation to the board for helping us achieve the purposes for which the foundation was incorporated.”

Serving on this historic executive board were Sharon Yancey, Randall Broxton, Brenda Rees and Karen Vano. Board members also include Lynne Robertson, Bea Belous, Jane Wentworth, Benjamin Wentworth, Karen Wentworth Penton and Elizabeth Benchley.

“Mr. Tom and Mrs. Rosabel dedicated their lives to helping the community by supporting education, music and the Interstate Fair, to name a few,” said Broxton, a longtime Wentworth family friend and noted local historian. “Mr. Tom loved children and encouraged them to learn.

“The T.T. Wentworth Jr. Foundation is going away but this endowed chair gives permanence to the many contributions of Mr. Tom and Mrs. Rosabel.”

PSC Foundation President Mike Wiggins added that endowed chairs are among the most significant ways to recognize the talent and hard work of Pensacola State’s top faculty.

“Providing funds that allow our faculty to embrace challenging projects and grow professionally elevate the entire college community. This gift from the T.T. Wentworth Jr. Historical Foundation will benefit Pensacola State faculty and students for years to come,” Wiggins said.