Miami, FL — October 10, 2025 – HistoryMiami Museum, in partnership with the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, is proud to announce the opening of Yakne Seminoli, an exhibition showcasing the resilience, creativity, and cultural legacy of the Seminole people.
Roughly translated as “Seminole World”, Yakne Seminoli reflects the idea of “all our traditions coming together.” The exhibition highlights how Seminole people have adapted, survived, and thrived despite profound changes to their lifestyle, governance, and environment—while continuing to shape the Florida we know today.
Through an impressive presentation of more than 25 Seminole artists, the exhibition blends art and history, featuring textiles, a life-sized Seminole doll, hand carved canoe, digital art, and vibrantly colored paintings that bring Seminole traditions from the past into dialogue with the present day. Participating artists include Jimmy John Osceola, Brian Zepeda, Erica Deitz, Wilson Bowers, Elgin Jumper, Virginia Osceola, Gordon Oliver Wareham, Jojo Osceola, and Bobby Henry, Hali Garcia, among others.
“Through our art, we honor those Seminole and Indigenous Ancestors we call family,” said Gordon Wareham, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Director. “Through our art, we celebrate the thriving of our tradition and culture in a world that has been colonized. Through our art, we keep the promise to future generations of the Unconquered people.”
The community is invited to the Museum, located at 101 W. Flagler, on November 1 for a free community celebration of Seminole culture, featuring traditional tastings, live music, and craft activities.
“HistoryMiami Museum is honored to partner with the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on this important exhibition,” said Christopher Barfield, Director of Exhibitions for HistoryMiami Museum. “The Seminole story is not just part of Florida’s history—it is the foundation of it. Their resilience, artistry, and traditions have shaped this region for centuries, and this exhibition is a chance for all of us to learn, reflect, and celebrate how Seminole history is inseparable from the story of this place we call home.”
Yakne Seminoli is presented in partnership with the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, located on the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation near Clewiston, Florida, and dedicated to preserving and sharing Seminole history and culture.
The exhibition runs through March 29, 2026.
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About HistoryMiami Museum:
Founded in 1940, HistoryMiami Museum is one of the oldest cultural institutions in Miami and a Smithsonian Affiliate. It is committed to preserving and celebrating the rich history of the city, its people, and its diverse communities. With a mission to provide inclusive spaces for dialogue and reflection, the museum creates immersive exhibitions and educational programs that engage visitors in meaningful explorations of Miami’s past, present and future. The museum’s extensive collections—comprising over 30,000 artifacts and more than two million images—offer a deep dive into the stories that shape Miami’s identity. In addition to exhibitions and collections, HistoryMiami offers public programs, community initiatives, and special events that encourage civic engagement and highlight what makes Miami, Miami.