Scott Mitchell

Take a look behind the scenes at the creation of the “Dugout Canoes: Paddling Through the Americas” exhibition, and enjoy a sneak preview of the Florida Museum’s upcoming exhibition “Water Shapes Florida.”

Robert Wilson, an expert on Florida pioneer survival skills, will discuss the essential tools and know-how of homesteading needed by the early pioneers who settled in the swamps and scrub of what is now Marion County.

Perhaps you saw the highway signs, old postcards, newspaper articles, or even saw the Ross Allen reptile show as a youngster. Now let Robert Ross Allen, his oldest son, help you peek behind all the props on stage. What made Ross Allen the star he was destined to be?

Katherine Ramirez will explore the history of Fort King, it’s importance in the Second Seminole War, founding of what is now Ocala and Marion County and the reconstruction of the present fort.

Florida Park Service biologist Andy Kilmer will discuss local nuts, berries, tubers and other plant foods and medicines found in Florida. Ever wonder how Native Americans and early settlers to this area survived? What did they eat? Join Andy Kilmer as he explores local plants to learn more.

Local scientist and water advocate Lisa Saupp, will discuss the interconnections of land, water and the Florida Aquifer. Explore how the natural forces that make our area so very beautiful also make it fragile and vulnerable. Let’s learn together how efforts today may protect our beloved springs and vital supply of drinking water for future generations.

In prehistoric times, now-extinct mammals such as mammoths, mastodons, saber-toothed tigers, zebras, and giant ground sloths roamed what is now Marion County. Dr. MacFadden will tell the story about how these ancient giants got into Florida, where they lived, and how they became extinct.