Before Barbie: Spotlight on Seminole Dolls
Before Barbie…there were Seminole dolls! Dolls are having their cultural moment right now. But, did you know they have been an important and celebrated part of Seminole culture much longer than Barbie has even been around? This week, we will be exploring the beauty, simplicity, and impact of Seminole dolls. Seminoles have been making them for their children for generations. But, as Seminole tourism began to take off in the early 1900s, Seminole dolls and other crafts became important tourist commodities. We will also be shining a spotlight on the University of Florida Seminole doll collection and other South Florida collections. Much of these are online for your perusal! In our featured image this week you can see a young Seminole girl with a very early cloth head doll, circa 1900 (2001.32.1, ATTK Museum). Before the recognizable palmetto dolls you can still find today, Seminoles would make simple cloth or wooden
Seminole Princesses and Progress in the 2010s
We focus on a major triumph of the 2010s; the crowning of the first Seminole Miss Indian World, and how Seminole Princesses work to create a better future for the Seminole Tribe.
A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith
Welcome to our Summer Book Series 2023! This week, join us to explore the sweeping historical fiction novel A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith. The novel heavily features Seminole history and representation throughout the book, and showcases the determination and resilience required to live in a changing Florida.
Seminole Spaces: The Ten Thousand Islands
Discover the mysterious Ten Thousand Islands in Southwest Florida! Home to Florida's first people, these islands and mangroves hold rich wildlife wonders.
The Everglades by Land and Water
Grab your paddle and lace up your boots! This week, join us for a guide on how to explore the Everglades by land and water.
Seminole Tribe Rocks the 2000s
Welcome back to our latest installment of our Decades of Seminole Tourism series! This week, join us for the triumphs of 2000s, as the Seminole Tribe rocks through Y2K. In this decade, the Seminole Tribe would expand by leaps and bounds, with the construction of Hard Rock Hollywood and Tampa in 2004 and acquisition of Hard Rock International in 2007.
Seminole Fashion: A Vibrant Reflection of Culture and Resilience
This week, we delve into the rich history of Seminole fashion, exploring its evolution over time and its profound significance within Seminole tourist ventures.
Seminole Spaces: Trading Posts
This week, we are exploring a unique type of Seminole space; trading posts. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Seminoles utilized trading posts as points of contact with non-Seminole traders.
Seminoles Influence Art: Guy LaBree
Welcome to Seminoles Influence Art: Guy LaBree! Throughout his long career, LaBree depicted numerous scenes of Seminole legends, life, culture, and history.
71st Annual Florida Folk Festival
The 71st Annual Florida Folk Festival is next weekend, May 26th-28th, 2023 at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs, FL. This Friday, join us on the blog to learn about Seminole presence at the festival, its history, and how you can attend!