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 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.
Seminole Economic Resilience in the 1960s
This week, we look at Seminole tourism in the 1960s. Coming directly on the heels of federal recognition, this decade was marked by struggle and innovation, as the Seminole Tribe of Florida cemented its agency as a sovereign entity.
Seminole Spaces: Lake Okeechobee
This week, we are exploring the Seminole relationship with Lake Okeechobee, and how it has shifted and changed over time.
Federal Recognition in the 1950s
This week, join us to explore the 1950s, and how the federal recognition of the Seminole tribe of Florida would shape Seminole agency and power from then on.
Seminole Economic Independence in the 1940s
Welcome back to our series on Decades of Seminole Tourism! This week, join us as we look at the 1940s. Marked by turmoil and rapid growth, Seminole tourism and economic independence would explode in an unprecedented way in the 1940s.
The 1930s, Age of Exhibition Shows
This week, learn all about the complicated history of Seminole exhibition shows and fairs, as well as their long-lasting impacts on Florida tourism today.
Seminole Dugout Canoes
Join us this week to look at the importance of Seminole dugout canoes, why they are important, and their role in Seminole history and tourism.
Wait…Seminole Totem Poles?
Did you know that in the 1920s totem poles made their way into Seminole crafts? This week, join us as we look at Seminole totem poles, the complicated history, and how they have become a shared tradition.
Seminole Patchwork
Bright, detailed patchwork patterns make clothing instantly recognizable. Seminole patchwork is like nothing else, and reflects identity, culture, and fashion over time. But what makes something patchwork? This week, join us as we look at Seminole patchwork, what it is, and how it developed and changed over the last century.