Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Re-Opens to the Public
Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, Fla. (August 10, 2021) - The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is pleased to announce the highly anticipated re-opening date of August 21st, 2021. The Museum will be open 7 days a week, 9am-5pm. The re-opening coincides with the Museum’s 24th Anniversary and the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s 64th Anniversary of federal recognition. The health and safety of the Seminole community, staff, and visitors are top priorities as we once again welcome visitors to the Big Cypress Reservation. Masks are required for entry and hand sanitizing stations are available through campus. In addition to our permanent exhibits and the Alligator Wrestling exhibit that opened in the West Gallery in late 2019, visitors can experience two brand new exhibits: Graffiti and Street Art: Expressions of Community Pride, 2021 Art ceases to be art without freedom of expression. Graffiti and street art provide a venue for this freedom. Our
New Alligator Wrestling Exhibit Opens at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is well-known for providing a fun, educational Seminole experience. It is home to over 180,000 unique artifacts and numerous exhibits. Likewise, it also pays tribute to the Seminole Tribe and their storied history. However, there is something new at the museum. On December 16th, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum unveiled their newest exhibit; Alligator Wrestling: Danger. Entertainment. Tradition. This exhibit will convey the importance of alligator wrestling, it’s evolving role in the Seminole Tribe and the explicit danger associated with it. Alligator Wrestling History Alligators and Seminoles have a long history together. Long ago, alligator wrestling was used practically, as opposed to showmanship. Alligators were caught for their hides and meat. These important functions would help the Seminoles thrive, particularly within the swampy Florida Everglades. They were important during ceremonial practices, with the relationship between alligator and Seminoles being one of respect. Later, alligators would play an integral role in trade.
1491’s Headline 2019 American Indian Arts Celebration
South Florida residents looking to experience Seminole culture should visit the iconic Florida Everglades and the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. Owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, this museum is located on the Big Cypress Reservation near Clewiston. In fact, the museum is gearing up for its biggest event of the year - the American Indian Arts Celebration (AIAC) on November 1st and 2nd! The Native American sketch comedy troupe known as the 1491s will be headlining the event and making their first AIAC appearance. This is one event that should be on your “fun list” for a day (or two) of non-stop action, Native arts and entertainment. A Native American Celebration for Everyone The American Indian Arts Celebration is huge and allows for learning outside of museum doors. It celebrates Native arts and culture in an engaging and intimate way. Open to all ages, it’s a wonderful family event as children
Fall Events at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
Fall is right around the corner and it’s bringing an abundance of exciting events to the Seminole Big Cypress Indian Reservation. Whether you’re a busy parent, a hardworking adventurer or a student back in school, the Ah-Tah-Thi Ki Museum has the activity for you. An Event-Filled Fall Calendar The Fall event calendar is jam-packed with cool events that will have something for everyone in the household. On September 19th from 10 AM -3 PM the Seminole Artist Experience Art Sale takes place. Not only will beautiful works of Seminole art be available for purchase, including those by Elgin Jumper, but a painting demonstration, print raffle and work-in-progress reading of “Nightfall, The Novel” will also take place. The Museum will be hosting this event at the Seminole Tribe’s Hollywood Headquarters. During the month of October, participants can traverse the boardwalk at night and hear some stories during the Nighttime Experience (Oct. 12th) or find
The 124th Big Cypress Celebration is Coming Soon
Saturday, May 11th will be a day of exciting entertainment and Seminole tradition. This year marks the 124th Big Cypress Anniversary Celebration. Here, families can immerse themselves in a historical culture while attending a cherished event that has been going on for over a century. No Shortage of Fantastic Entertainment The Big Cypress Anniversary Celebration seeks to preserve some very important values; integrity, culture, heritage and tradition. What’s the best way to achieve that? Exhibiting Florida Seminole customs in the most fun way possible! Alligator wrestling with Freestyle Alligator Wrestling Competition, exhibits and displays from the Seminole Tribe’s owned Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki museum, carnival rides, traditional Native American shows, Seminole arts and crafts and plenty of delicious Seminole (and American fare) will be available. All-day entertainment also means the Celebration has prepared more than 6 hours of back-to-back live concerts for no additional fees. This year their lineup features critically acclaimed country singer Gary
Seminole Shootout Returns to Immokalee Reservation
The 2019 Seminole Shootout is being held from March 1-3 on the Seminole Immokalee Reservation. The event highlights an important period in history for the Seminole Tribe of Florida - the Second Seminole War. This Florida event showcases an intense battle reenactment typical of this period. Actors are equipped with authentic attire and weapons paired with tactics and pyrotechnical canon blasts, giving a full representation of what it looks like to be soldiers and warriors in battle during the war. This unique three-day event is terrific fun and highly educational. It is perfect family event that should not be missed! The Seminole Wars Although some may be attuned to the fact that Native Americans have been involved in several conflicts dating back to the 1800s, few are familiar with the exact history and level of perseverance the ancestors of the Seminole tribe had to endure. In total, there have been three Seminole
Brighton Field Day is Just Around the Corner
A Day of Tradition The 81st Annual Brighton Field Day is almost here! It is an annual Seminole Tribe celebration for the last 80 years. It all started in 1938 when William and Edith Boehmer decided it was well worth trying out a “day of fun”. Both William and Edith were teachers who lived on the Seminole Brighton reservation, and had originally planned the day of fun to be for the local tribal community audience. Over time, the event expanded significantly in size, and is now open to the public as well as tribal members to enjoy! And they do; thousands of participants come out to the Seminole Brighton reservation each year to partake in the cultural theater and experience the community’s festivities first-hand. Brighton Field Day will be held at the Fred Smith Rodeo Arena at the Brighton Seminole Reservation in Okeechobee, FL. This year’s Seminole Brighton Field Day will take place
Gretchen Wilson Headlines 2019 Seminole Tribal Fair & Pow Wow
The Seminole Tribe of Florida will host its 48th annual celebration of Native culture and arts on February 8-10, 2019 in Hollywood, Florida. The 2019 Seminole Tribal Fair & Pow Wow will be held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino property in Hollywood. Events will be held in the Hard Rock Event Center. The event is free and open to the public. The three-day Native American festival is perfect for children and adults alike. There is something for everyone. As one of Florida’s best kept event secrets, the 2019 Tribal Fair will be headlined by country music star Gretchen Wilson. Gretchen made her debut in March 2004 with the Grammy Award-winning single "Redneck Woman," a number-one hit on the Billboard country charts. The song served as the lead-off single of her debut album, Here for the Party. She will perform on Sunday, February 10 at 3PM at the Hard Rock
Fishing the Florida Everglades
About one third of Everglades is comprised of water, making for solid fishing and small-craft boating and fishing.Snapper, trout, redfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill are found everywhere! The Everglades is covered by thousands of mangroves and twisting waterways that are home to a wide variety of birds, alligators, mammals, and fish. Since the wetlands within Seminole Big Cypress Indian Reservation are home to so many interesting and endangered species, the Seminole Tribe of Florida works diligently to safeguard their existence. What You Need to Know The Florida Everglades is one of the top fishing spots in the world; which is rich in fish like snook, tarpon, snapper, and bass. The waters around Big Cypress are flourishing with fish of all shapes and sizes. Since the Seminoles have been fishing here for over 300 years, they might know a thing or two about fishing the Everglades. Here are some things you will need to know:
Big Cypress Reservation Hosts Two Holiday Events
The holiday season is just about here, and you wouldn’t be left out in the cold when you come to Seminole Big Cypress Reservation. As a matter of fact, things are heating up with two great events that will highlight the season of giving. First, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum will host their 2nd annual Museum Store Sunday on November 25th. This will help you round out the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. Next, Billie Swamp Safari will turn into the South Pole of the Florida Everglades when it hosts Santa at Safari on December 22-23. Family fun will abound and gives you a great reason to escape the hustle and bustle of shopping and come out to Big Cypress for a well-deserved break. Museum Store Sunday Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Sunday, November 25th 9 AM – 5 PM Information 877-902-1113 The Sunday after Thanksgiving, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Store will be hosting our second annual Museum Store Sunday, joining 900 museum stores