RSSTake a Journey to Blountstown! The Smithsonian’s “Journey Stories” Exhibit is at the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement
Jul 24
Uncategorized Apalachicola River, Blountstown, Florida, Florida History, Florida Humanities Council, Journey Stories, Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, Smithsonian No Comments
The "Journey Stories" Exhibit at Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, Blountstown.
“Journey Stories” is part of Museum on Main Street, which is a collaborative effort between the Smithsonian Institution and the state humanities council. This program is also supported by the United States Congress. The exhibition shows how our ever changing methods of mobility have changed our nation and how it has helped our country grow. Just the word “journey” brings to mind a sense of adventure. No matter how long or short the distance, a journey is transformational and has the potential to change people, landscapes, and the environment-for better or for worse. This exhibit uses images, audio and even artifacts to show visitors how traveling and movement have played a vital role in creating our diverse American culture. “Journey Stories” is an exhibit designed especially for small communities, and the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement is the perfect location for this exhibit! After walking around the Smithsonian exhibit, you can take some time to visit the living history museum to gain an even greater understanding of the journey people experienced in the Florida Panhandle. Blountstown is situated on one of the major waterways in the region, and historically, many of the folks that settled in the region got there via the Apalachicola River.
Did you know that six out of ten Floridians come from somewhere else? Florida may well be the most mobile state in the country. Throughout history people have come to
Wakulla County was among the several communities that contributed their own stories by creating an exhibit that was incorporated into "Journey Stories".
Florida for a variety of reasons on various modes of transportation. Some came here by Spanish galleon, others by horse-drawn carriage, and let us not forget the “Tin Can Tourists”! Some came looking for work, others for freedom and some for gold and riches. “Journey Stories” touches on all of these topics and attempts to combine the prestige of the Smithsonian Institution, the expertise of the Florida Humanities Council and the resources of the local community. The Florida Humanities Council is working with local museums in Plant City, Blountstown, Debary, Clewiston, Sebring and Dunedin to display this exhibit throughout the state. They are also encouraging local communities to enhance this exhibit with displays of local images, artifacts, and stories. A teacher workshop will be held in each location as well. These workshops will provide educators with strategies for integrating this topic into their classrooms. The exhibit will be featured at the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement from July 14th through August 25th, 2012. The museum is open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Thursday from 10am to 6pm. To learn more information about this exhibit and associated events please contact the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement at 850-674-2777 or at info@panhandlepioneer.org.