Exploring Florida Folk Life
The Floridian peninsula lies at a global intersection where peoples and cultures from North, South and Central Americas, the Caribbean, Africa and Europe have come into contact for several centuries. This history shaped a multicultural landscape, and by exploring international and indigenous contributions to folk life in Florida, we can develop a better understanding of contemporary diversity in a way that promotes economic viability, environmental conservation, and social justice in the Sunshine State.
The goals of this project aim to:
- identify linkages between Florida’s folk histories and contemporary cultural diversity in Florida
- recognize international and multicultural contributions to folk life in Florida
- promote research and writing about history and folk life in Florida
- create media and materials that increase public knowledge about folk life in Florida
Activities in this project include:
- student-produced media for local history and food-related public education
- student-led events for guest speakers, talks and round-tables
- teacher, student and expert-led collaborations for workshops and lectures
Greek-American sponge worker sorting and trimming sponges in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Image from Florida Memory State Archives
Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival 1978.
Woman rolls a Padron Cigar in Miami 1921.
Albert “Buck” Thompson performing at 1985 Florida Folk Festival- White Springs, Florida
Annie Tiger Bowers showing Lawanna Osceola Niles how to sew a costume doll – Brighton Reservation 1913
Tarpon Springs 1928
Michael Steen watches teacher Alphonso Jennings weave a white oak basket in Lamont
Greek sponge-diver and assistants in Tarpon Springs (1900). Florida Memory Archives
Chinese Cadets at Dale Mabry Airfield 1941.
Images from Florida Memory State Archives
Native American culture and traditional ecological knowledge systems play a critical role developing sustainable food systems in Florida today.
International Contributions to Florida Folk Life
Florida’s folk history is the outcome of several centuries of multicultural interactions between indigenous, European, Latin American and Asian people. This project aims to contribute to the development of a more multicultural and inclusive approach toward representations of Florida folk life by highlighting the value of diversity in Florida folk history and culture.
Africa
For more than 500 years African culture, food and agriculture has shaped Florida folk life and food systems in the state.
Asia
Asian immigration in the twentieth century contributed a variety of new food crops, preparation techniques and cultural influences in Florida
Latin America
Latin American food and culture has been closely tied to Florida folk life since the Spanish arrived in the 15th century.
Europe
The role of European food and culture in Florida dates to the colonial period and it has integrated into other cultural practices creating new ways.
Growing and Preparing Florida Folk Foods
history and culture in the garden, on your farm, and on the table
Bring history to life in the home garden and in the kitchen by growing and preparing Florida folk foods. Culturally significant recipes not only offer more meaningful ways to prepare meals, they often provide a more cost-effective and efficient way to integrate healthier food choices.
Upcoming Schedule of Events
Contact Us
The Florida Folk Life Project is a collaboration between the Matheson Historical Museum and Santa Fe College. For more information, visit the Museum or contact us by phone or email.
Matheson History Museum
513 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601
Dr. Dixie Nielson, Matheson Historical Museum
Dr. Sarah Cervone, African Humanities, Santa Fe College
Dr. Ann Laffey, Anthropology, Santa Fe College
Dr. Marcella Murillo, Latin American Humanities, Santa Fe College
Dr. Audrey Holt, Literature, Santa Fe College
Courtney History, Santa Fe College