Category: Press

Miami is One of Eight Cities to Host Original Founding-Era Documents, June 20 – July 5; Launch of Countywide Student Oratorical Contest

MIAMI, FL — [January 20] — The National Archives has selected HistoryMiami Museum in downtown Miami as one of eight museums nationwide to host the National Archives’ “Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation,” a traveling exhibition marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. 

Announced today by the National Archives and Records Administration, the Freedom Plane National Tour will bring original Founding-era documents to communities across the country throughout 2026. Inspired by the Bicentennial Freedom Train, the exhibition expands public access to records fundamental to the nation’s founding, many of which have not traveled outside Washington, D.C. in decades.

The documents will travel together and arrive to much fanfare on June 15, 2026, via a specially designated aircraft.  HistoryMiami Museum will host the exhibition June 20 through July 5 presenting Miamians, Floridians, and visitors to the state with a rare opportunity to experience these historic documents firsthand on the very day it celebrates America’s semiquincentennial year, July 4, 2026.

“Hosting the Freedom Plane National Tour is both an honor and a responsibility,” said Natalia Crujeiras, President & CEO of HistoryMiami Museum. “These documents belong to all Americans. Presenting them in Miami, a global city shaped by democratic ideals and extraordinary diversity, creates a powerful space for reflection on our nation’s origins and its ongoing promise. We are excited to give the community an opportunity to experience and reflect on the people who laid the foundations for this great country.” 

Original National Archives records featured in the exhibition include:

• The William Stone engraving of the Declaration of Independence
• The Articles of Association
• Oaths of Allegiance signed by George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr
• The Treaty of Paris
• A draft printing of the Constitution
• State delegation votes

As part of the celebration, the Museum will also unveil a digital mural where guests can share their Wishes for America both in the museum and from home.  This dynamic, ever-evolving participatory experience invites people across Miami to share their hopes for the future.  Guests can also celebrate the nation’s birthday on the HistoryMiami plaza on July 4, with a special birthday party for America. The exhibition and celebration are free to attend.  

“As our nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, it is deeply meaningful that Miami has been chosen as one of only eight cities to host the Freedom Plane National Tour,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Bringing these founding-era documents to our community affirms that America’s story belongs to everyone. Through our own local initiative, a countywide committee has been established to commemorate this historic milestone, and this exhibition at HistoryMiami Museum will serve as a powerful cornerstone—inviting residents and visitors alike to engage directly with the ideals of freedom, democracy, and opportunity that continue to shape our diverse and dynamic county. I am proud that Miami-Dade is helping carry this national legacy forward.”

To accompany HistoryMiami Museum’s presentation of the National Archives exhibition Documents that Forged a Nation, the museum is proud to launch America 250: Voices of the Future, a countywide high school speech contest celebrating the semiquincentennial of the United States. This premier youth oratorical competition invites Miami-Dade students to reflect on the enduring ideals of America’s founding documents and articulate how those principles can shape a more just and inclusive future. The winning essay will be accessioned into HistoryMiami Museum’s permanent collection, and the student will be invited to present their speech during official events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The exhibition will visit the following cities in 2026:

• Kansas City, MO – National WWI Museum and Memorial | March 6–22
• Atlanta, GA – Atlanta History Center | March 27–April 12
• Los Angeles, CA – USC Fisher Museum of Art | April 17–May 3
• Houston, TX – Houston Museum of Natural Science | May 8–25
• Denver, CO – History Colorado Center | May 28–June 14
• Miami, FL – HistoryMiami Museum | June 20–July 5
• Dearborn, MI – Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation | July 9–26
• Seattle, WA – Museum of History & Industry | July 30–August 16

The Freedom Plane National Tour is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation, through the support of The Boeing Company, Comcast Corporation, Microsoft, and P&G.

Located at 101 W. Flagler, downtown Miami, museum tickets will be free to the public during the duration of the exhibition. 

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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.

Miami, FL – (November 13) – HistoryMiami Museum is proud to announce the opening of Belonging in Transit, a new photography exhibition by Carlos Muñoz that offers a deeply personal and honest look at the lived experience of migration. The exhibition opens to the public Thursday, November 20.

Set in Redland, Florida, at a migrant market on the edge of Miami where communities from around the world intersect, Muñoz’s photo essay goes beyond simple documentation. For the artist, who is himself a migrant from Venezuela, Redland is a mirror of his own story. The people he photographs aren’t strangers, they reflect his memories of separation, shifting family ties, and the ongoing effort to find one’s place.

Rather than capturing a single moment in time, Belonging in Transit is the result of three years of exploring migration as an ongoing reality shaped by movement, memory, and the search for connection. Intimate and human, the photos – the last of which was taken in January of this year – don’t seek to explain or resolve, rather they invite us – the audience – to sit with the complexity, the coexistence of loss and strength, dislocation and determination.

“As a migrant myself, I immediately recognized parts of myself in the Redland Market. The flavors, textures, and colors brought me closer to my origins and to a sense of home. I listened before photographing and learned that belonging doesn’t happen overnight; it’s built as we work, talk, and care for our families,” said Muñoz. “I want visitors to this exhibition to feel part of a living market of stories—where fragility and strength coexist, creating space for success, joy, and new beginnings.”

This work helps audiences think differently about belonging, not as something fixed, but as something continually shaped by experience. Through this exhibition, Muñoz encourages viewers to consider that the need for home, continuity, and understanding is something we all share.

Muñoz is the 2024 recipient of the HistoryMiami Museum Photography Fellowship, made possible through the Pérez CreARTE Grant Program. The fellowship supports emerging photographers from diverse communities whose work captures the evolving stories of South Florida. Many of the images in Belonging in Transit will become part of the Museum’s permanent collection, contributing to the ongoing documentation of Miami’s history.

“Carlos’s work embodies the Museum’s mission to tell Miami’s stories through the people who live them,” said Natalia Crujeiras, Executive Director and CEO of HistoryMiami Museum. “Through his lens, we see migration not as a statistic or an issue, but as a deeply human experience that connects us all. Belonging in Transit reminds us that Miami itself is a city in motion, shaped by those who arrive seeking home and belonging.” 

Belonging in Transit is located at HistoryMiami Museum, located at 101 W. Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130.

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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.

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.

The 50-Swimsuit Collection Reflects Fashion, Innovation, Textiles, Cultural Shifts, Pop Culture, and the Evolution of Miami’s ” Sun, Sand and Style” Reputation

MIAMI, FL — [April 28, 2025] —  HistoryMiami Museum is proud to announce the upcoming opening of its new exhibition, Waves of Style: Swimwear Through the Decades. This immersive, dynamic experience will allow visitors of all ages to explore the fascinating history and evolution of swimwear, showcasing 50 historic pieces that span over a century of fashion innovation.  

The celebration kicks off on May 9 with an Opening Night Celebration and Fundraiser featuring live music and models showcasing vintage swim fashions. The public is invited to RSVP here. Public festivities continue May 10, when the entire community is invited to a Free Family Fun Day and visitors of all ages can enjoy hands-on activities that bring swimwear history to life.  The museum is located at 101 W. Flagler in downtown Miami. 

Waves of Style dives into the transformative journey of swimwear and various textiles, from the heavy wool suits of the past to today’s sleek, modern designs. The exhibition explores how swimwear has reflected and influenced societal changes, celebrating the artistry and creativity behind these iconic garments. 

“Miami is the perfect backdrop for this exhibition, where the beach culture is not only a part of our lifestyle but also a key element of our identity,” said Christopher Barfield, HistoryMiami’s Director of Exhibitions. “We wanted to highlight the intersection of fashion, culture, and history while allowing visitors to explore how swimwear has evolved over time in a city known for its sun, sand, and style.” 

Most swimsuits featured in Waves of Style are drawn from the museum’s permanent collection, with additional pieces generously loaned by prominent Miami-based designers, Rene Ruiz, Kené Kaya and Liliana Montoya. Through engaging visuals from HistoryMiami’s Special Collections Library and Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Archives, guests will enjoy interactive elements, layered storytelling, and artifacts that point to the cultural shifts shaping swimwear fashion throughout the years. 

Key Stories Highlighted in Exhibition: 

• Learn the story of Jane Fisher, the wife of entrepreneur, Carl G. Fisher, who became a trendsetter in Miami’s swimwear scene in the 1910s.  Jane found her traditional bathing suit—complete with stockings, cap, and long skirt — too restrictive. She discovered the freedom she sought in one of Miami Beach’s earliest form-fitting swimsuits, which will be on display. Though initially shocking, Jane’s style quickly gained popularity, and within weeks, women across the beach were emulating her look.  

• To promote his real estate development, Fisher – known as Mr. Miami Beach – mailed photos of women in daring bathing suits to investors across the country to promote Miami Beach as a glamorous destination. His famous “Bathing Beauty” parades became a staple of early Miami tourism. 

• Men’s bathing suits also get the spotlight in Waves of Style.  Olympic swimmer and actor best known for his role in Tarzan, popularized topless swimwear for men. Johnny Weissmuller appeared in 12 films between 1932 and 1948, often depicted topless at a time when men were expected to cover their chests.   

Waves of Style guests can learn about these stories and more at the exhibition’s VIP reception on May 8 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., in partnership with Ocean Drive Magazine and Bacardi. Guests will enjoy live music, models showcasing vintage swim fashions, and a first look at the exhibition. The event will also serve as a fundraiser for the museum’s education programs, ensuring that HistoryMiami Museum can continue to inspire and educate future generations. The evening is sponsored by the Greater Miami Convention Visitor’s Bureau, with support from the PARAISO Miami Swim Week, Ocean Drive Magazine, and Bacardi. 

Opening Weekend Schedule Summary: 

• May 7: Press Preview (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.) 

• May 8: Member Preview (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) 

• May 9: Opening Night Celebration & Fundraiser (Ticketed VIP Event, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.) 

• May 10: Free Family Fun Day – Open to all! Experience the exhibition and enjoy interactive, family-friendly activities. (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) 

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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.

(MIAMI) – March 20, 2025 – HistoryMiami Museum is proud to announce that its CEO, Natalia Crujeiras, has been selected as an Emerson Collective Fellow for her innovative work exploring how cultural institutions shape and foster civic identity. This prestigious fellowship will support Crujeiras in advancing a research project that aims to deepen our understanding of how museums and cultural organizations influence community cohesion and a sense of belonging.

As the first female and first Latina CEO in the museum’s 85-year history, Crujeiras is transforming HistoryMiami into a dynamic, state-of-the-art institution that unites the diverse communities of Miami. Under her leadership, the museum is dedicated to celebrating the city’s rich cultural heritage, fostering inclusion, and providing a platform for all Miamians to feel connected to the city’s unique identity as a crossroads of the Americas.

Through the Emerson Collective Fellowship, Crujeiras will lead research on the impact of museum exhibitions and programs on civic identity. This project will be instrumental in the planning of HistoryMiami’s exhibition, Becoming Miamian, set to open in July 2026 in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The exhibition will spotlight Miami’s vibrant communities and their evolving identities.

The fellowship, which offers recipients autonomy to pursue groundbreaking work with minimal ongoing programming, will provide Crujeiras with the resources needed to conduct surveys, interviews, and fieldwork to develop a methodology for measuring cultural institutions’ role in strengthening community bonds. Her findings will not only inform the “Becoming Miamian” exhibit but will also contribute to a toolkit that can help other cultural institutions across the country strengthen civic engagement and unity within their communities.

“I am deeply honored to be selected as an Emerson Collective Fellow, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the conversation about how cultural institutions can be powerful tools for fostering civic identity and community cohesion. This fellowship will amplify the work we are doing at HistoryMiami, bringing our mission to a national stage,” Crujeiras said. “Our museum has always been a place where people from all walks of life come together to celebrate Miami’s diverse heritage, and this research will help us better understand how we can build a deeper sense of belonging, not just in Miami, but across the country.”

Emerson Collective is a company that invests in entrepreneurs and innovators driven by purpose and a sense of possibility, working to create a world of abundance for future generations. Emerson Collective’s Fellowship supports visionary individuals whose work tackles pressing issues and has the potential to make lasting societal impact. Fellows are selected based on their proven excellence and originality, and the fellowship empowers them to pursue transformative, innovative projects with the support of a collaborative and engaged network.

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.

MIAMI, FL — [July 23, 2024] — HistoryMiami Museum is thrilled to announce its newest exhibition, SANCTUARY: Our Sacred Place, opening Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 7 p.m..This captivating exhibition by Little Haiti photographer, Woosler Delisfort, delves into the spiritual origins of Miami’s Indigenous, African and Caribbean communities by capturing moments of divine connection in temples, churches, and mosques. The more than 100-pieces that make up the exhibition highlight how these cultures are harnessing sacred spaces in Miami as vital sources of empowerment, both politically and spiritually.

“I felt the way religion in the Black community is commonly portrayed is inaccurate –   Sanctuary: Our Sacred Place is my way of broadening the perspective,” said Woosler Delisfort, the inaugural recipient of the HistoryMiami Museum photography fellowship for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and Latinx artists. “This is an essay about my spiritual journey and the ways in which communities create and preserve spaces to offer self-affirmation, unity, and transcendence.”

Co-curated byIreọlá Ọláifá and Marie Vickles, SANCTUARY promises to be a thought-provoking and visually stunning exploration of Miami’s spiritual heritage, elevated with musical selections and altars that bring the experience to life.

“It is an honor to support Woosler’s vision as curator of this exhibit,” said Marie Vickles. “Through his images, audiences will feel a personal connection intended to remind them of their own stories or introduce them to new ones. The experience of SANCTUARY eloquently shares the living and connected histories of Miami’s Indigenous, African, and Caribbean communities and hits home the importance of our local arts connection to South Florida’s past and present.”

The exhibition opening night event is complimentary with advanced registration and will feature an indigenous ceremony by Ameyal Mexican Cultural Academy, tantalizing spirituals by Hued Songs, drinks and light bites. Tickets are limited. RSVP HERE.

The exhibition follows Woosler’s fellowship with HistoryMiami. Presented by the museum’s Center for Photography, the fellowship supports emerging documentary photographers who capture and amplify local stories, particularly those related to  BIPOC and Latinx members of the community. Support from The Jorge M. Perez Family Foundation at The Miami Foundation has made it possible for HistoryMiami Museum to continue supporting local photographers in documenting and sharing community stories. 

“Woosler captures the essence of Miami’s religious communities with clarity and conviction. His introspective voyage through these sacred places shows us how spirituality transcends boundaries and how Miami’s many spiritual communities claim and commune with their world. We are excited to share his work and to see the impact of his experience with the youth who worked alongside him,” said Christopher Barfield, HistoryMiami Director of Exhibitions. 

As part of his fellowship, Delisfort mentored a talented group of Miami students in the Youth Photography Fellowship. This exhibition highlights projects from middle and high school students tasked with exploring their daily lives and communities while learning about photography. Their work is showcased on the museum’s online exhibition.

The HistoryMiami Museum’s Center for Photography is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing photographic images that narrate the stories of Miami’s diverse community. With a strong emphasis on documentary photography, the Center serves as a valuable resource for photographers, researchers, and the public. Through its extensive collection of historical images, dedicated photography galleries, and engaging programs, the Center aims to address representational gaps in past collaborations, the museum’s collection, and the stories featured in our exhibitions and programs.

For more information, please visit www.historymiami.org.  

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About HistoryMiami Museum

HistoryMiami Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate located in downtown Miami, safeguards and shares Miami stories to foster learning, inspire a sense of place, and cultivate an engaged community. We accomplish this through education, collections, research, exhibitions, publications, and City Tours. Now celebrating its 84^th year, the museum is a 70,000-square-foot facility and home to more than two million historical images and 30,000 three-dimensional artifacts, including a 1920s trolley car, artifacts from Pan American World Airways, and rafts that brought refugees to Miami. For more information, call 305-375-1492 or visit historymiami.org. 

About the Artist

Born and raised in Little Haiti, Woosler Delisfort is a self-taught documentary photographer and filmmaker whose mission is to explore the core principles affecting the collective human spirit. His practice uses storytelling to weave together experiences and anecdotes to illuminate the realities of the world. Delisfort began his career documenting the emotions, humanity, and spirituality of the people of Little Haiti in the hopes of replacing the negative stereotypes of crime, drugs, and poverty often associated with his hometown with more positive and personal images of joy, life, and creative expression.

The Traveling Exhibition Explores the Intersection Between Science and Legend and How Mythic Creatures Explained the Unexplainable 

(MIAMI) – June 14, 2023 – Larger than life creatures will fill the galleries at HistoryMiami Museum for its newest exhibition  Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids opening July 8,  2023,  at  the  downtown Smithsonian Affiliate. The exhibition traces the natural and cultural roots of some of the world’s most enduring mythological creatures from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and beyond, and even how Miamians embrace their own mythic fantasies. Organized by the American Museum of Natural History in New York, in collaboration with Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney; Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau-Ottawa; Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Atlanta; and The Field Museum, Chicago, visitors to the exhibition will come face-to-face with a 17 foot-long dragon with a wingspan of over 19 feet, a giant Kraken sea monster with 12-foot-long tentacles rising from the gallery floor, and a 10-foot-long unicorn, capturing the imagination of every child.  

For centuries, humans have brought mythic creatures to life in stories, music, and works of art. On display are cultural objects from around the world including paintings, models, textiles, Chinese shadow puppets and Greek coins, that bring to light surprising similarities and differences in the ways cultures have been inspired by nature to depict and explain these unique and imaginative creatures. After all, it was Pliny the Elder, who in 77 CE, asserted that mermaids were “no fabulous tale,” and current sightings of Scotland’s renowned, but unsubstantiated Loch Ness Monster, continue to this day. 

From around the world to our own backyard, a companion exhibition called Mythic Miami features tales of the fantastical creatures inhabiting our waters, forests, and skies. Lasting stories of Caribbean mermaids, the Chupacabra from Puerto Rico, and Florida’s own Skunk Ape have fascinated Miamians for generations, while newly uncovered creatures make us imagine what else could be out there. Mythic Miami brings to life the stories and artifacts that give us a glimpse into the worlds of these extraordinary creatures.   

“We were so excited for the opportunity that Mythic Creatures provided us to dive into the stories behind the creatures of South Florida, like the skunk ape and chupacabra.” said Folklife Curator Vanessa Navarro Maza.  “With our unique environment and the diverse mix of people living here, there are so many interesting stories and legends to explore about creatures native to our region or ‘imported’ from other places. Mythic Miami dives into the historic and cultural context behind some of the creatures that have mystified our communities for years and caused people to wonder, ‘could this really be true?’” 

Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids encourages visitors to investigate for themselves how cast fossils of prehistoric animals could have, through misidentification, speculation, fear, or imagination, inspired the development of some legendary creatures. For example, visitors will discover how narwhal tusks from the North Sea, introduced to continental Europe by Scandinavian traders, lent credence to the centuries-old belief in the unicorn, and how dinosaur fossils uncovered by Scythian nomads may have been mistaken for the remains of living, breathing griffins. Persistent tales of undersea monsters may simply be sightings of real creatures such as the oarfish and giant squid, which are just as wondrous as any imaginary denizens of the deep.   

Exhibition highlights also include: a 120-foot-long Chinese parade dragon, used in New York City’s Chinatown to perform the traditional dragon dance at the Lunar New Year; a replica “Feejee mermaid,” of the type made famous by showman P. T. Barnum, created by sewing the head and torso of a monkey to the tail of a fish; and four tremendous, “life-size” models of mythical creatures:  an 11-foot-long Roc with large, sharp talons swooping above the heads of visitors with a wingspan of nearly 20 feet;  plus two actual life-size models—an over-6-foot-tall, extinct primate called Gigantopithecus; and the largest bird ever to have lived, the over-9-foot-tall, extinct Aepyornis. Each item featured brings to life ways in which myths could have had their beginning.  

The exhibition offers numerous interactive stations and activities including rearranging scale models of mammoth bones to look like a giant human skeleton and Protoceratops bones to look like a griffin skeleton.  Visitors can build their own dragon in an engaging touch-screen interactive and watch it come alive before their eyes in a virtual environment. Videos include interviews with experts in various fields discussing the significance of mythical creatures and their possible real-life counterparts.   

Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org), in collaboration with Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney; Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau-Ottawa; Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Atlanta; and The Field Museum, Chicago.     

Pricing for the exhibition is $15 adults, $10 Students/Seniors, and $8 For Children. The exhibition is open through March 31, 2024. For more information visit historymiami.org. 

About the American Museum of Natural History (www.amnh.org) 

The American Museum of Natural History, founded in 1869 with a dual mission of scientific research and science education, is one of the world’s preeminent scientific, educational, and cultural institutions. The Museum encompasses more than 40 permanent exhibition halls, galleries for temporary exhibitions, the Rose Center for Earth and Space including the Hayden Planetarium, and the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. The Museum’s scientists draw on a world-class permanent collection of more than 34 million specimens and artifacts, some of which are billions of years old, and on one of the largest natural history libraries in the world. Through its Richard Gilder Graduate School, the Museum offers two of the only free-standing, degree-granting programs of their kind at any museum in the U.S.: the Ph.D. program in Comparative Biology and the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Earth Science residency program. Visit amnh.org for more information. 

March 14, 2023

The University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism & Related Disabilities and HistoryMiami Museum are proud to announce HistoryMiami as the first museum in Miami-Dade County to earn the UM-NSU CARD Autism Friendly Designation.  The program acknowledges businesses aimed at creating welcoming places and spaces in our community for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities and their family members.    

As part of this commitment, HistoryMiami Museum launched its Sensory Sunday program series last fall in collaboration with UM-NSU CARD. Sensory Sundays are designed for families of children, teenagers, and young adults with disabilities who are neurodiverse, on the autism spectrum, or have sensory processing disorders or cognitive disabilities.  

“HistoryMiami Museum is so honored to receive UM-NSU CARD’s Autism-Friendly Designation in recognition of our commitment to providing welcoming and inclusive experiences for our visitors,” Hana Squires, Manager of Education Programs, Access, and Community Engagement said. “We are excited to host the Autism Friendly Designation ceremony at our next Sensory Sunday on March 26th as we welcome families from across South Florida to our space.” 

HistoryMiami Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate located at 101 West Flagler Street Miami, FL 33130, welcomes individuals on the ASD spectrum and their families to explore and enjoy activities in a sensory inclusive and welcoming environment. Spaces in the museum will have modified lighting and sound. Guests will enjoy building block activities, a sensory room, and a touch tour of HistoryMiami’s permanent exhibition, Tropical Dreams: A People’s History of South Florida. To register click here.  

Admission to Sensory Sunday is FREE with required registration. Capacity is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have registered but are unable to attend, please let us know so we can open your space for another family. If you or someone you know needs assistance registering, please call 305-375-1492 or email accessibility@historymiami.org.   

“We are extremely proud of our collaboration with HistoryMiami Museum,” said Dr. Michael Alessandri, Executive Director of the University of Miami–Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD). “When families feel welcomed and accepted, businesses are better able to expand their customer base.”   

Organizations and institutions that are interested in the initiative can visit https://bit.ly/AutismFriendlyInitiative to learn more about providing helpful services, and amenities to better accommodate guests, clients and customers with autism spectrum disorder, as well as learn what accommodations can be made to host an intern or hire an employee who is diagnosed with ASD. 

HistoryMiami Museum is thrilled to announce the 2023 launch of Willy Chirino: 50 Years of Music, an exhibition paying tribute to a life and musical career that transcends generations and reflects Miami’s rich and complex history. The exhibition opens January 27 and runs through September 10, 2023. As a thank you to fans and the community, opening day will be free to all visitors! Presented by Leon Medical Centers, the exhibition documents the life and five-decades-long career of legendary singer-songwriter Willy Chirino. Visitors will explore his powerful personal story through a collection of awards, concert attire, photos, videos, and personal items that speak to Miami’s trajectory of growth leading to a diverse, world-class city.

“I am truly overwhelmed by the events that have been organized to celebrate my 50 years in the music industry, but none is more special to me than this exhibit at the HistoryMiami Museum, an institution that highlights Miami stories,” said the award-winning artist. “I always say that Cuba saw my birth, but Miami saw my growth. I am a proud Miamian and, as such, I could not be more honored to celebrate with my own.”

Chirino’s unique collection of memorabilia, assembled for the first time for this exhibition, includes: Chirino’s GRAMMY®, Latin GRAMMY® and Billboard® awards, the ensemble worn on his visit to Guantanamo Naval Base in 1994, his first guitar upon his arrival to the USA in 1961, a torn Cuban flag found on an empty raft that bore his name by the Coast Guard in the Florida Straits in the early 1990s, and personal letters from American presidents. These items and more will be on display at the 101 W. Flagler location in Miami.

The beloved Cuban-born artist came to the United States in 1961 as part of Operation Pedro Pan following the communist revolution in Cuba. He eventually composed and sang what would become an international anthem for Cubans inside and outside the island called “Nuestro día ya viene llegando” (“Our Day is Coming”).

“Willy’s personal story serves as a powerful reminder of resiliency following a difficult chapter in world history when more than14,000 children and teens became part of Miami’s exile community through the Pedro Pan exodus,” said CEO and Executive Director of HistoryMiami Museum, Natalia Crujeiras. “HistoryMiami Museum aims to tell his story well, respecting Chirino’s life, his love of entertaining and composing music, and Miami’s deep desire to celebrate a Miami-made music hero! His Miami Story is truly the story of the American Dream – one man who helped put Miami on the map with music that shaped this community’s sound and transcended generations of fans along the way.”

Chirino has recorded more than 35 albums attaining platinum and gold status, won the GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY awards, composed hundreds of songs recorded by artists, including Celia Cruz, Gipsy Kings, and Oscar D’Leon, and was instrumental in the development of the 1970s Miami Sound, a unique fusion of Cuban music, blended with rock, jazz, Brazilian and Caribbean rhythms. His accomplishments include being recognized by UNICEF for his work with the Willy Chirino Foundation, receiving the Billboard® Humanitarian Award, and the U.S. Department of State Hispanic Heritage Award.

“Leon Medical Centers is honored to be sponsoring this well-deserved exhibit celebrating my friend Willy Chirino’s life and career,” said Benjamín León, Jr., Chairman and Founder of Leon Medical Centers. “As a fellow Cuban-American who has shared similar life journeys, I am proud of all he has achieved and the way he has represented our community. I am delighted that he not only is part of the Leon family professionally, but as a patient as well.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Send media requests to Lauren Rigau (lauren@m.network) or Lisa Mozloom (lisa@m.network). Select high-resolution images are available upon request, as is b-roll of historical moments in Chirino’s career.

Some items from the exhibition include:

• GRAMMY Award, 2006
• Latin GRAMMY Award, 2014
• Billboard Award, 1998
• The suit worn to his wedding to Lissette, 1980
• Lissette’s wedding dress, 1980
• Ensemble worn on his visit to Guantanamo Naval Base, 1994
• Cuban flag signed by hundreds of detainees at Guantanamo Bay when he visited, 1994
• His first guitar upon his arrival to USA, 1961
• Original handwritten lyrics to his two iconic hits, Soy and Nuestro día (Ya viene llegando), 1974 and 1991.
• Original paintings used for two of his most emblematic album covers.
• Torn Cuban flag found on an empty raft by the Coast Guard in the Florida Straits- in the early 1990s.
• Electric guitar custom-made and hand-painted by Carlos Navarro with the Cuban flag.
• Dozens of Cuban flags among the hundreds given to him by fans at every concert event.
• The two suits worn to receive his GRAMMYs.
• Replica of the Beatles outfit worn by Willy on the cover of his album “My Beatles Heart.”, 2011
• Dozens of awards he has earned internationally, including Gold and Platinum records, proclamations and keys to various cities.
• Personal letters from American presidents.