South Florida’s unique position surrounded by oceans, bays, estuaries, and the Everglades has long created a haven for societies to flourish across the southern half of our state. For over 30 years, museum researchers and students have worked to document and share the human history and cultural legacies of the region through innovative and respectful study, preservation, and exhibit of archaeological artifacts and landscapes, as well as ethnographic objects, art, and archives.
In the South Florida Archaeology collections, we curate artifacts and animal and plant remains from significant archaeological sites spanning south Florida — from the shorelines of the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, around Lake Okeechobee, across the Everglades, and down into the Keys. Collections represent the Indigenous and Colonial histories and cultures that shape south Florida today, including environmental evidence that informs us about the deep connection between people and the animals and plants of the region.
In the Florida Ethnographic Collection, we curate objects, art, photographs, and written archives that document the rich cultural heritage of the Florida Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, our state’s two federally recognized Tribes. This collection is foundational to the relationships the museum engages with these Tribal communities as we honor Florida’s Indigenous heritage.
With your support, we are able to continue our tradition of excellence in south Florida research, student mentorship, and public education. Please join us as we endeavor to continue to learn about, share, and protect the history and heritage of south Florida.
To support South Florida archaeological research, public education, Museum exhibitions, publications and related reasonable and necessary expenses, please make a gift to the Endowment for South Florida Archaeology for the South Florida Archaeology Collection
Make a giftTo support research, curation and enhancement of the Florida Ethnographic Collection at the Florida Museum, please make a gift to the Reynolds Ethnographic Endowment for the Florida Ethnographic Collection
Make a gift