Florida is rich in Native American culture and history, and there’s no better place to learn about the Seminole Indian tribe than the Ah Tah Thi Ki Museum.
**A big thank you to Melissa and Florida Seminole Tourism for hosting us. As always, all opinions are our own.**
Ah Tah Thi Ki Museum
The Ah Tah Thi Ki Museum is a designated Smithsonian Institution Affiliate and is home to over 180,000 unique artifacts and archival items. It is located in the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation in South Florida and is close to Billie Swamp Safari. Inside, visitors will learn a lot about the people that make up the Seminole Tribe. This museum left a lasting impression on us and we think it’s one of the best museums in Florida.
What does “Ah Tah Thi Ki” mean?
Ah Tah Thi Ki means “a place to learn, a place to remember” in the Seminole language. The mission of the museum is to celebrate and preserve the history of the Seminoles, so it’s a fitting name.
Ah Tah Thi Ki Museum Admission
The museum is open every day from 9am to 5pm, excluding certain holidays. Below are their admission prices:
- Adult (ages 19-54): $10.00
- Senior (55+): $7.50
- Students (18 and under, or with a college ID): $7.50
- Military: $7.50
- Family (2 Adults and Up To 4 Children Ages 5-18): $30.00
- Children 4 and Under: Free
- Seminole Tribe Member: Free
- Other Tribe With ID: Free
Ah Tah Thi Ki Museum Exhibits
Upon entering the museum, we were greeted and shown to a small theater. We watched a 15 minute video called “We Seminoles” that told the history of the Seminoles and why the museum was created. Then we walked around the various exhibits that they have. They have permanent exhibits as well as temporary exhibits that reflect different topics and contemporary Seminole life.
We learned about the Catfish Dance which is done during the annual Green Corn Ceremony, and about how the Seminoles hunted, cooked, and married. We especially enjoyed the exhibits displaying intricate patchwork skirts and dolls.
Another really cool thing about the museum is the raised boardwalk they have behind the main building. It is just over a mile long and winds through a natural cypress dome (and it’s all wheel chair accessible!). Along the boardwalk are signs with information on various local plant and animal species.
About half way along the boardwalk, you’ll find recreated Seminole ceremonial grounds. There are chickee huts made of palmetto and cypress and an open court for playing stickball. These grounds are where tribe members would have met for political and religious events.
Between the 1920s and 1960s, Seminole villages were very popular tourist attractions. Tribe members would sell crafts and carvings and even wrestle alligators! Nowadays, you can see a modern-day version of a Seminole village as you continue along the boardwalk. There are often Seminole artists on site doing demonstrations and answering questions about traditional arts and crafts.
There are often events held at the Ah Tah Thi Ki Museum. Visitors can see dances, hear music, or learn about Seminole crafts. We suggest visiting their website to see upcoming events and programs.
Final Thoughts On The Ah Tah Thi Ki Museum
The Seminoles played an integral part in Florida history. I’m glad the Ah Tah Thi Ki Museum is preserving the customs and traditions of the Seminole Tribe, so that everyone can learn the rich history of these amazing people.
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