THE SEMINOLES—FLORIDA’S ORIGINAL TOURISM ENTREPRENEURS, PART 1
Hello! Welcome to the first installment in our 8 week series highlighting Seminole Tourism, past and present. In this series, we will be showcasing how tourism has been a key part of the Seminole entrepreneurial spirit for over a century using articles from The Seminole Tribune.
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
Field Trips to the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
For Floridian educators and administrators worried about finding that next school field - you can finally take a breath. Your next school field trip is already set, and it’s pretty spectacular. Situated at the heart of the Everglades, on the Big Cypress Indian Reservation, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum effortlessly offers nature and Native American culture for students through various exhibits, programs, tours, and a scenic, mile-long boardwalk. With over 180,000 artifacts and bountiful flora, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki museum is the ideal destination to push past day-to-day boundaries and directly immerse with the Seminole people. Native American History with a View Too often we find ourselves drained by the same routine. The truth is, learning can be both fun and informative, without having to take sides. The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum has a number of outside features that keep visitors engaged and connected with nature. Taking selfies at the through the cypress dome, learning about the clans
Make the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Your Day Trip Destination
Whether you’re an adventurous world traveler or a local who likes to venture out, most don’t need a reason to explore the wonders of the Florida Everglades. A trip to the Everglades would not be complete without some knowledge base of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Located on Seminole Big Cypress Indian Reservation, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum helps thousands of visitors each year delve into the rich Seminole history and their Everglades home for the last 300 years. Not convinced? Here are five considerations to bring up at your next family dinner about what to do next weekend. Relax, Just Do It Chances are, if you’re in America, are part of the working force, or have a pulse, you can benefit from taking a vacation. A day trip to the museum can be the perfect way to unwind, reconnect with nature and appreciate life in the present. If you remain unconvinced, just
Top 4 Reasons to Visit the Seminole Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Big Cypress Reservation is a well-established tourist destination located in the Florida Everglades. Each day we welcome visitors to the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. Everyday local Floridians and worldwide visitors make their way to the Seminole Big Cypress Reservation for the opportunity to break away from everyday life and experience a slice of Seminole life. Here are the top four reasons why visitors come on a regular basis. Learn Seminole History There is no better place to learn then at a museum! The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum’s goal is to foster an understanding and appreciation of the Seminole Tribe. The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is home to more than 180,000 unique artifacts, archival items and experiences. Come and learn about the Seminole people and their rich cultural and historical ties to the Southeast United States and Florida. Find out why the Seminoles are the only tribe in America to be unconquered. The Museum features
Save the Planet (Too)!
Many exciting changes are underway at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum! In addition to our new THPO office building and our Museum re-design, we are also going green. Very green! Upgrading to Green We are doing our part to help conserve the world’s resources. We have eliminated the use of paper plates, plastic silverware, paper cups, and regular cleaning products, and changed to LED lighting, automatic flush toilets, and more. Staff members have been issued water bottles for daily, reusable use. Water coolers, water bottle fillers, and water fountains have been installed and strategically located throughout our facilities to serve both our staff and our visitors. We have set up a composter to “feed” our garden, which we plant several times a year with the help of the Boys and Girls Club afterschool program. Traditional crops are planted which we hope one day will be large enough in volume to help with the nutritional needs of
Tribal Perspectives on Sea Level Rise and the Costs of Preservation at Egmont Key
Sea level rise in Florida is a real thing and is currently affecting thousands of significant sites along the coast. One site, Egmont Key, has been investigated by the THPO and may likely be completely underwater within the next 100 years. With the incoming tide of sea level rise, it is imperative that we capture the importance of this site and the gravity it carries in Tribal history.