Folklore, Fish Tales, & Family Stories: Legends of the Everglades at Museum of the Everglades

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 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.