Throughout the year, the museum and Tribal Historic Preservation Office  staff participates in many events within the Tribal community. Like many people, January, February and March are busy months for these departments, as so many great events take place, including Tribal Fair and Pow Wow, Brighton Field Days, Immokalee Shootout  and cattle drives.

At many of these events there is an Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum & THPO booth. While the booth offers a lot of general information for people who have never heard of the departments, additional services for community members and employees are also offered. For instance, copies of any picture in the museum collection are available to Tribal members for free. The staff can work with people to schedule times to see the collection, research topics and contribute their own oral histories to the collection.

At many events, binders of photos for people to see are brought along. There are many great memories in those photos. Sometimes the staff is looking for input. While people are identified in many photos, some photos could use additional expertise. If anyone recognizes someone in those photos, that information can be recorded for future Tribal member use.

The staff realizes that for many people a trip to Big Cypress can be a huge undertaking. The department is always looking for ways to bring part of the Museum and THPO to Tribal members at their convenience and has already attended the Tribal Fair in Hollywood, Brighton Field Days, the Battle of Okeechobee, and the Orange Blossom Festival in Davie. Check out the list below for what events the department will attend and what will be featured in the next couple of months.

• Immokalee Shootout (March 2 and 3) – Seminole Wars display, Cattle Cart display, Canoe, and Museum/THPO information
• Health Festival (March 13) – Museum/THPO information, upcoming events, and boardwalk information
• Big Cypress Cattle Drive (March 17) – Cattle Cart display, Cow Toss game, Maps, and Museum/THPO information

Later this year staff will also participate in the Big Cypress Indian Day events and the Red Ribbon festivities and parade. Of course, the Museum and THPO department will be hosting the annual American Indian Arts Celebration (AIAC) on Nov. 2 and 3. Look for more details later this year.

As always, the department looks forward to hearing ideas for sharing more of the Seminole stories in the community. If there is an idea for an exhibit display – either in the museum or for events – or other ways we can help bring the Seminole story to the community, contact Rebecca Fell at 863-902-1113 x12251 or rebeccafell@semtribe.com.  For photos or to help identify them, contact Mary Beth Rosebrough at 863-902-1113 x12252.