New Exhibit at the Museum of Florida History

Get hooked by The Lure of Florida Fishing

The Department of State’s Museum of Florida History announces a new special exhibit, The Lure of Florida Fishing, opening with a reception on March 13, at 5:30 p.m., and remaining on display until August 26. More than 100 artifacts, including artwork, historic images, trophies, fish mounts and tackle help tell the tale of sport fishing in the Sunshine State. From the 19th century to the present, sport fishing has drawn people to Florida’s coastal and inland waterways. This exhibit explains how fishing became such a popular activity for visitors and residents alike.

"This exhibit allows visitors to experience and learn about the fascinating history and lineage of sport fishing in the Sunshine State," said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. "We hope visitors and Floridians alike will get hooked on Florida fishing as so many have before them."

Organizations and individuals from around the state and country have loaned items for display in The Lure of Florida Fishing. Two prestigious trophies, the Mrs. Henry Rea Silver Sailfish Derby trophy from the West Palm Beach Fishing Club and the Metropolitan Miami Fishing Tournament’s Henry H. Hyman Memorial trophy from the International Game Fish Association, will be loaned along with fish mounts, deep sea fishing rods, and other artifacts. Other loans include a pair of environmental paintings of fish by marine artist Stanley Meltzoff and numerous additional artifacts showcasing the rise of fishing as a recreational activity in Florida. Twenty-two early twentieth century paintings depicting various species of fish by artist William Aiken Walker will be on display from the collections of the Museum of Florida History.

"Many organizations and individuals have been generous in loaning us items for this exhibit," said Museum Director Dr. Jeana Brunson. "As a result this promises to be an educational and entertaining exhibit."

Throughout the summer, the Museum will host numerous educational programs for people of all ages. It will also feature interactive elements through electronic games that allow visitors to experience fishing in Florida for themselves. Programs interpret various types of fishing or significant periods in Florida’s angling history. For more information on programs visit the Museum of Florida History website at museumoffloridahistory.com or call 850.245.6400.

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About the Museum of Florida History
The Museum of Florida History is part of the Florida Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs and is located in the R. A. Gray Building at 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, Florida. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday and holidays, noon to 4:30 p.m.  Free parking is available in the garage next to the R. A. Gray building.

About the Division of Cultural Affairs
The Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs is Florida’s legislatively designated state arts agency. The Division promotes the arts and culture as essential to quality of life for all Floridians. To achieve its mission, the Division funds and supports cultural programs that provide artistic excellence, diversity, education, access and economic vitality for Florida’s communities. For more information about the Division and its programs, visit the Division of Cultural Affairs.