Americans is a Smithsonian traveling exhibition that looks at how deeply American Indians are woven into the history, popular culture and identity of the United States. It is based on a major exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. Okeechobee Main Street and the Okeechobee Historical Society host it inside the Historic Okeechobee Courthouse in Okeechobee.
The show is part of the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program. Florida Humanities has worked with the program for more than 20 years to bring exhibitions to small towns across the state. Okeechobee is one of only five Florida communities on this tour, which runs from Amelia Island to Panama City. It is also the third time the town has been chosen to host a Museum on Main Street exhibit.
Beyond the exhibit panels, each host community adds local programming that shares Native American history, culture and identity. In Okeechobee, the opening day included Seminole and Miccosukee tribal members, crafts vendors, food, books and informational displays. Those local stories give the national exhibit a Florida connection.
The exhibit suits history fans, teachers and students, and anyone who wants a close look at Native history without leaving the Lake Okeechobee area. The courthouse setting adds to the visit, since the building is part of the town’s own past. Plan to combine it with other things to do in Okeechobee, or make it a stop on a trip around Lake Okeechobee.
Check the event dates and hours above before you go, since the exhibition is only on display for a limited run.