Objects provide a window into Miami’s history: Tequesta Artifacts, John James Audubon Prints, Walter Mercado Cape, Seminole Doll    

Unearthed Tequesta artifacts from 800 A.D., naturalist James Audubon prints, and famous gender non-conforming astrologer Walter Mercado’s cape all headline the newest HistoryMiami Museum exhibition, It’s a Miami Thing: Highlights from Our Collection. These treasures will be on display to the public starting July 29, just in time to celebrate Miami’s 125th birthday, as well as the Museum’s 81st anniversary.  

“Our mission is to safeguard Miami Stories and one of the ways we do that is by collecting items that document the Miami experience,” HistoryMiami Museum Executive Director Jorge Zamanillo said. “This is truly the community’s collection, and we hope everyone will visit and enjoy these highlights that capture the uniqueness of our city.”  

It’s a Miami Thing was curated from over 30,000 objects and millions of archival items in the Museum’s collection, which  are carefully preserved.  The exhibition includes the Burdines sign from the original flagship store, Seminole patchwork clothing, architectural drawings of Miami buildings, prints from naturalist John James Audubon’s Birds of America and treasure salvaged from the 1622 Nuestra Señora de Atocha shipwreck, discovered 35 years ago off the coast of the Florida Keys. There is also an interactive component inviting visitors to reflect on and share their “Miami thing.” 

It’s a Miami Thing, on display at HistoryMiami Museum located at 101 W. Flagler Street, will remain in place through January 9, 2022. Open Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday noon – 4 p.m., HistoryMiami Museum is currently offering complimentary admission through August 31.  Starting September 1, admission is $10 for adults; seniors and students with ID are $8; children ages 6-12 are $5; Museum members and children under 6 are free.  

The exhibition is sponsored in part by Miami Dade County, State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, Bermont Gold Wealth Advisory of Raymond James, and Mark Migdal & Hayden.

For more information, visit historymiami.org.