Museum of the Everglades Summer Programming 2025, Courtesy of Collier County Museums

MAY 

Every year Museum of the Everglades collaborates with our local school – one of the last two K-12 public schools on a single campus in the state of Florida – to create an exhibit that celebrates a specific aspect of this unique community. Students submit artwork, photos, videos, stories, interviews and more to help us share a part of the character and history of the area with visitors from around the world. A contest with cash prizes is held with a variety of categories open to currently enrolled students of all ages. 

This year we have challenged them to share stories of the Everglades area they might have heard growing up that might stretch the truth or push the boundaries of belief. This includes myths, legends, tall tales and ghost stories, but also legendary acts or accomplishments by colorful characters from the region’s past – including ancestors and family members.  Our goal is to with broaden the understanding of our community and its unique culture by sharing its distinctive folklore through creative, artistic, and literary expressions composed by our local students.  

The exhibit will be augmented with historic information and established traditional stories that provide context for the creative responses the students have submitted. It will run through Saturday, September 6th. 

LECTURE Third Thursday 05/15 at 2:00 PM Folklore and Folkways – How Beliefs Shape Cultures & Vice Versa 

In this companion lecture to Museum of the Everglades' new temporary exhibit, “Folklore, Fish Tales, and Family Stories”, Museum Manager Thomas Lockyear will explore the ways in which the legends and lore of an isolated region can become reciprocal agents in cultural development – particularly as they relate to South Florida and the Everglades. Myths, misconceptions, buried treasure, creepy cryptids and the student contributions to the exhibit will all be discussed. 

JUNE 

LECTURE Third Thursday 06/19 – Murder in the Everglades 

Among the region’s most poignant and captivating tales are those that recount cold-blooded killings – and historically the Everglades area has more than its share. Museum Manager Thomas Lockyear will share stories from the long list of murders in the Everglades that includes everything from frontier justice at hands of a pioneer posse to homicide for hire on the outskirts of Homestead. The murder of game warden Guy Bradley, the tragic death of Jack Tigertail, and the killing of notorious outlaw Edgar Watson will all be featured.