Florida's 500 Year Anniversary at Collier County Museums

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In 2013, Florida commemorates the 500-year anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s journey of discovery and the first recorded landing of European explorers on the North American mainland. Although Florida’s cultural history dates back more than 12,000 years, to the Native American groups that were its first discoverers, Spain’s claim to La Florida in 1513 was a milestone that began a new chapter in our state’s unique history. Explore and experience the rich heritage and cultures of Southwest Florida through a year-long offering of special exhibitions, programs, demonstrations and events at each of the Collier County Museums, including:

• January 8  

Collier County Commissioner'sBoardroom
VIVA Florida 500 Opening Ceremony
Proclamations and a special flag presentation to the Collier County Board of County Commissionersby representatives of the General Consuls of Spain,France and Great Britain, the three European powers thatonce claimed and governed Florida.For more information, please call (239) 252-8476.

• January 9 

Collier County Museum
Program: Ancient Lives: Native American and Spanish ContactPeriod
Over 13,000 years ago, Floridawas twice the size it is today. Hermann Trappman and Elizabeth Neily will takeyou on a miraculous journey through time to visit those ancient NativeAmericans and discuss what happened to them as they faced their European Conquerors.The presentation will begin at 2 pm in the lecture hall of the Collier County Museum.For more information, please call (239) 252-8476.

• January 16 

Collier County Museum
Paradise for Sale: Florida’s Booms and Busts by Dr. NickWynne
Once marketed as the happiest place on earth, Florida experienced a brief anddizzying economic boom in the mid-1920s as promoters, real estate developersand con artists became overnight millionaires by creating luxury seasideresorts, elegant country clubs, and imaginary communities in mosquito-riddenswamps. Dr. Nick Wynne, the former executive director of the Florida HistoricalSociety, will explain how bank failures, new federal income tax laws, and aseries of destructive hurricanes turned Florida’sgreat boom into a bust that lasted until World War II. Free admission. For moreinformation, please call (239) 252-8476.

• January 19 

Marco Island Historical Museum
Presidents in Florida: How the Presidents Have Shaped Florida and How FloridaHas Influenced the Presidents
U.S. Presidents have played a major role in shaping Florida, whether wagingwars, protecting the environment, seeking votes, or just drawing media attentionto the state's attractions. UCF Professor of History, Dr. James Clark, examinesthe role of the President in shaping the development of Florida,and how Floridahas become a critical state in the election of our Presidents. Presentationwill begin at 2 p.m. Free admission. For more information, please call (239)642-1440. 

• January 23 

Collier County Museum
Program: The Birth of Fashion by Guest Lecturer Carlos Bico
From the Silk Road to the kings and queens of centuries ago, all the way to themodern day runway, find out about how and why clothing developed into fashionand the history behind some of these unique trends. Explore the forms andevolution of clothing as it developed into the styles that we wear today. Someexamples of clothing will be displayed during program. The program will beginat 2 p.m. Free admission. For more information, please call (239) 252-8476. 

• January 26 

Marco Island Historical Museum
Pirate Day on Marco!
Marauding pirates were a constant headache for Spanish sea captains during the1600s, and tall tales of swashbucklers and buried treasure abound in Southwest Florida to this day. Join us for a fun-filledafternoon on the high seas if ye dare. Pirate-themed arts and crafts, facepainting, pirate songs, a treasure hunt, and real pirate stories, as told bylocal authors Jim and Sarah Kaserman, will make this a friendly adventure into Florida’s past for thewhole family. Come dressed as your favorite pirate, and win prizes from the“booty” station. We start at noon matey, and batten down the hatches at 4:00p.m. Free admission. For more information, please call (239) 642-1440.