The Museum of Florida History Presents the Special Exhibit Surf’s Up, Florida!

Tallahassee –

Secretary of State Ken Detzner invites the public to experience the special exhibit Surf’s Up, Florida! on display from November 16 through June 23, 2019 at the Museum of Florida History. The exhibit showcases Florida’s surfing history and features more than thirty vintage and modern surfboards, including boards once used by world champion Kelly Slater of Cocoa Beach.

“Thanks to Florida’s beautiful beaches, surfing has been a popular pastime in the Sunshine State, and it is an important part of our state’s history and culture,” said Secretary Detzner. “The surfing community has been very enthusiastic about this exhibit, and we are grateful to those who loaned surfboards and other items to make this exhibit possible for the people of Florida to enjoy.”

Beachwear, autographed shirts and posters, trophies, and other artifacts help to interpret the history of surfing in the state. More than a dozen lenders have contributed surfboards and other items for the exhibit.

Visitors can see a recreated surfboard shaping room and learn about the skills needed to craft a custom board. Hands-on activities in the exhibit include touchable surfboards and a surfing video game. Museum-goers can test their talent for surfing and pretend to ride the waves on a wobble board, or have their picture taken standing on a stationary surfboard with a backdrop of a beautiful Florida ocean wave.

Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation is a program sponsor. For information about educational activities and special programming offered during the exhibit, visit the Museum’s website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages or call 850.245.6400.  High resolution photos are available for download in the Museum’s Flickr album.

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About the Museum of Florida History The Museum of Florida History is part of the Florida Department of State 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. The Museum is closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Free parking is available in the garage next to the R. A. Gray Building.