Online Exhibits

This exhibition was built around the photograph collection of Mr. William Boehmer and his wife, Edith Boehmer, who first came here in 1938 to open the Brighton Indian Day School; A school that was requested by the Brighton tribal community. After the school closed in 1954, the Boehmers stayed on, working for the Tribe in various capacities until Mr. Boehmer’s retirement in 1966. Hidden within those photos are also personal memories; stories of growing up, fond memories of the Boehmers, and personal triumphs.

An exhibition celebrating Jimmie Scott Osceola's drawings and, by extension, his life.

Patchwork pieces are works that contain layers of stories and details. For those who study and create patchwork there are the patterns, like fire, rain, and lightning, which are used over and over again. Then there are unique patterns created only by certain Seminole creators. Sometimes, a skirt or sampler can tell a story or hold personal meaning to either the creator or the owner.

Celebrating the students from the Ahfachkee School and the unifying power of art in the wake of a pandemic.

One of the most heroic figures in Seminole history is Osceola. His remarkable life spanned between the years 1804 to 1838. After migrating to Florida from Alabama as a child, he was part of a group that became the “Seminole” people. Osceola was a great war hero who led troops during the Second Seminole War in 1836.

In 1837, he was captured under a white flag of truce, imprisoned by the U.S. army, and ultimately died in their custody. After his death, his personal possessions were distributed among his captors, friends, and family members. Since then, many have attempted to claim they had one of Osceola’s personal effects, but only a few could be authenticated.

“Osceola: History Comes Home” seeks to celebrate the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum’s acquisition of its third artifact; a sash, most likely owned by Osceola. Acquired in 2018, the sash went through extensive testing to verify its historical significance. It then went through an intense restoration process that will now allow the museum to display the sash for the Seminole Tribe to see. The exhibit will formally recognize the importance of returning Osceola’s belongings to the Seminole Tribe and the artistic beauty of the piece.