Friday, November 7, 2008 - Historical Museum Hosts Native American Day Nov. 22

In celebration of National Native American Heritage month and the opening of the new special exhibit: ''Imag(in)ing the Seminole,'' the St. Lucie County Historical Museum will host its annual Native American History Day on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

In relation with the national theme ''Celebrating Tribal Nations: America's Great Partners,'' the program will feature lectures, demonstrations and hands-on activities that deal with the Treasure Coast's two Native American tribes, the Ais and the Seminoles.

A hands-on exhibit and demonstration of Ais artifacts will be featured. Visitors will also get a chance to throw an arrow from an atlatl and experience fiber weaving and pottery making just as the Ais did for thousands of years. In the museum's Seminole encampment, visitors can learn about the Florida Seminoles including their origins, lifestyles and cultural traditions.

The event will also feature the opening of the new special exhibit: ''Imag(in)ing the Seminole.'' This exhibit explores the way in which photographers documented the Seminoles and their culture throughout the 19th and 20th Centuries and how these photographs have altered society's view of the tribe. Complementing the exhibit will be highlights from the museum's extensive Seminole clothing and artifact collections as well as a mini-exhibit on local photographer Harry Hill, who photographed the Seminoles in St. Lucie County. The exhibit will run through February 2009.

A lecture on the history and importance of corn or maize in the Native American world will also be part of at the event. Other vendors include the St. Lucie Historical Society and members of the Seminole tribe. Regular museum admission will be charged for this event. Admission is: $4 for adults, $3.50 for seniors over 65, and $1.50 for children 6-17 years and college students.  Children under 6 are free.

For more information call Brynn Batsche at (772) 462-1891 or email at batscheb@stlucieco.gov.

The St. Lucie County Historical Museum is located at 414 Seaway Drive, under the South Bridge on Museum Pointe in Fort Pierce.  Since its opening in 1968 the museum has provided educational programming and permanent and special exhibits that explore the area's rich and colorful history. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Group rates, guided tours and outreach programs are available by registration.