Current Exhibits
Rising Above the Rails–The African American Railroad Experience
January 24, 2020 – May 2, 2020
Naples Depot Museum
The African American railroad experience is one of hard work and little recognition. From forced labor and harsh conditions while tracklaying in the southeastern United States to the degrading treatment while traveling on the rails as porters and maintenance workers, African American history is intimately tied to the history of railroading in the United States.
In Rising Above the Rails, we highlight the oft-ignored stories, both local and national, of African Americans who used their experience to improve the lives of themselves, the African American community, and the railroading community overall.
Snakes of the Everglades—Predators in Paradise
March 17–May 30, 2020
Museum of the Everglades
This exhibit will explore all aspects of snakes in the Everglades – the biodiversity of the many species found there, the historic relationships of both pioneers and indigenous people with snakes (including personal accounts and folklore surrounding them), the relative dangers of venomous snakes in the region, and challenges to the Everglades ecosystem created by the growing population of invasive Burmese pythons.
Marc Harris Conservation Photography–Florida’s Voice for Wildlife
March 5-July 4, 2020
Marco Island Historical Museum
The Marc Harris Wildlife Exhibition at the Marco Island Historical Museum is on display to unite a common cause for wildlife habitat conservation and environmental responsibility for a global community footprint. The exhibition features wildlife in the wild and remote locations in danger to the effects of habitat loss and sustainable water resources throughout Southwest Florida, the Everglades and the historical areas of natural woodlands throughout Florida. “When I document an existing environment, I use the photographs of nature and wildlife to tell a wider story. I ask you to look beyond the obvious and look into the eyes or behavior of an animal or image and imagine what it would be like to live in their universe. Bring their surrounding world into focus with yours,” said Marc Harris.
No Limits—The Influence of Athletics on Collier County’s African American Community
February 3, 2020 – May 16, 2020
(extended two months)
Collier Museum at Government Center
Did you know that Collier County is the home of many professional athletes? The Collier County Museum and Gulf Coast High School’s Digital Design and Art classes are collaborating on an exhibition that highlights the County’s African American athletes for Black History Month 2020. The exhibit features the professional athletes produced in this area, as well as the coaches and programs that helped them to hone their skills.
Cultivating Community—Stories of Immokalee’s African American Pillars and Pioneers
February 15 – May 16, 2020
Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch
They came for work. Laying rail, cutting timber, milling, and vegetable picking brought hard-working people south to the edge of Big Cypress. That there was work in Immokalee was known from Mississippi to Maryland. Teachers, preachers, and entrepreneurs followed. Not all would stay but eventually, a culturally rich, close-knit community grew. Cultivating Community explores this early history of Immokalee through the memories of its African American community members.