Dive into Seminole history and culture through the powerful stories hidden in art, clothing, photographs, and everyday objects preserved by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Drawing on the extensive holdings of the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, this lecture explores Seminole history as interpreted through objects including historic newspapers, postcards, textiles, clothing, crafts, and fine art. With a collection exceeding 200,000 items, the museum offers a unique lens through which to examine the social, economic, and cultural experiences of Seminole people from the eighteenth century through the twentieth century.

Particular attention is given to the ways Seminole and Miccosukee communities engaged with trade and tourism as adaptive strategies in response to environmental and cultural disruption, and later as avenues for economic success and artistic expression. The presentation also introduces key themes and works from the museum’s fine art collection, demonstrating how material culture functions as both historical evidence and a means of preserving cultural knowledge.

About Tara

Tara Backhouse is Curator at the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum and has served the Tribe for 19 years in roles including Research Assistant, Registrar, Collections Manager, and Curator. She has led numerous large-scale, grant-funded collections initiatives focused on cataloging, interpretation, and accessibility in support of tribal sovereignty. Ms. Backhouse holds an MA in Anthropology from Eastern New Mexico University, a Graduate Certificate in Museum Collections Management and Care from The George Washington University, and an MS in Library and Information Studies from Florida State University.