BIG CYPRESS SEMINOLE RESERVATION, Fla. (June 25, 2020) – The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum announced today the highly anticipated release of its first virtual tour.
Although the Museum is currently closed to the public, visitors from anywhere can now view the permanent and temporary exhibits that help share the Seminole story.
“We are committed to staying engaged with our community and public during the pandemic crisis and this virtual tour is a chance for visitors near and far to get a glimpse into Seminole history and culture from the comfort of home. While it doesn’t replace a visit out to Big Cypress, we hope this online experience will be a fun introduction to future visitors and provide a different perspective to those who have visited us before,” said Kate Macuen, Museum Director.
The walk-thru showcases all of the exhibit spaces within the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum and even allows virtual visitors to view the full 17-minute orientation film along with three other shorter films that enhance the visitor experience. Plans are also in the works to expand the virtual experience to the beautiful boardwalk.
Exhibit highlights include:
From the Land
Harvests from the land and many parts of animals are used to supply food, clothing, and tools. When items could not be obtained from the Everglades, the Seminoles would trade with a handful of store (trading post) owners.
The Camp
Under the chickee is a glimpse of traditional meal time, where multiple generations gathered around their food. The camp is characterized by numerous chickees, which in Miccosukee means house. In the center of the gallery, three women are busy around a fire preparing the daily meal. This fire, if properly tended to, could last for weeks. A family glides down a quiet stretch of river in their full size dug-out canoe on their way to a trading post.
Mosaic Gallery: Ahfachkee Student Art Exhibit
In this selection of artwork, students used the basic elements of art repeating the likeness of the different artistic styles.
West Gallery: Alligator Wrestling
Explore the deep roots of the Seminole’s relationship to alligators. Discover how alligator wrestling took hold and how it helps preserve culture and tradition today. Learn about the biology of an alligator through interactives and watch the incredible skill and techniques of alligator wrestlers on screen.
“Having a virtual tour is something we have talked about for years. We understand that our location is a bit remote and not everyone can come visit us in person when we are open. This virtual tour immerses you in the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki experience no matter your location. We really hope we are able to bring the Seminole story to the forefront, to plant a seed, so that people want to still visit us once we reopen and expand their knowledge even more,” said Carrie Dilley, Visitor Services and Development Manager.
For more information about the virtual tour, follow the Museum on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or visit the website at www.ahtahthiki.com. Contact the museum via email at museum@semtribe.com.
About the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Situated in the Everglades on a 66-acre cypress dome on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, the Museum offers more than 5,000 square feet of gallery space. Exhibits feature rare artifacts and lifelike dioramas that depict Seminole life at the turn of the century. In 2009, the Museum became the first tribally governed museum to be accredited by the American Association of Museums. For more information, visit www.ahtahthiki.com.
