Join us for the 2021 SW FL Heritage Festival! March 6-7! Exhibitors Wanted!
Great News – Grant Secured
Exciting news!!!! We are VERY happy to share an important announcement with all of you! We have received funding for the launch of Phase 1 of the boardwalk replacement project! As many of you know, our 1/2 mile boardwalk was an aging structure when it sustained severe damage during Hurricane Irma. Unfortunately, the destruction and … Continue reading Great News – Grant Secured
Wildlife Wednesday – Capybara
In today’s installment of Wildlife Wednesday we will discuss the unique capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). Originally from South America, the capybara is considered an exotic species here in Florida. A giant cavy rodent, the capybara is the largest of the rodent species in the world. Adults can grow up to 4.4 feet long and 2 feet … Continue reading Wildlife Wednesday – Capybara
Wildlife Wednesday – Bobcat
In today’s installment of Wildlife Wednesday we will discuss one of our favorite residents, the Florida bobcat (Felidae rufus Floridanus). This interesting creature is the smaller of two large predatory cat species that inhabit Florida. It is also one of 12 subspecies of the bobcat (Lynx rufus). The Florida bobcat is approximately twice the size … Continue reading Wildlife Wednesday – Bobcat
Miccosukee Village at CMNC Groundbreaking
The first chickee in our historic Miccosukee village replica was built today by Huggins & Osceola Enterprises. A private donor requested a Miccosukee saying instead of a sign in honor of their donation. This chickee is named; Che-hun-tamo which is a traditional greeting in Elaponke, the language of the Miccosukee. As was custom, this chickee, … Continue reading Miccosukee Village at CMNC Groundbreaking
Cowboy by Don Seiler Donated to Crowley Museum & Nature Center
Exciting news! The family of the late artist Don Seiler donated the sculpture “Cowboy” to CMNC to be displayed in front of our museum. Today he made the move from his former home in Ona. Come out and meet Cowboy! Watch the video of his arrival to CMNC at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjBtJ_wRv7Q&feature=youtu.be Many thanks to Helm Vault … Continue reading Cowboy by Don Seiler Donated to Crowley Museum & Nature Center
Live Eagle Cam Meet Victoria and Nicholas
Two Eagles, Two Storms and Two Choices Victoria and Nicholas, two American bald eagles, have a story of hope in the midst of life’s storms, literally! These two eagles, whose nest has been in our family’s back pasture for over 16 years, have felt the fury of life’s storms, twice! The first storm was Hurricane … Continue reading Live Eagle Cam Meet Victoria and Nicholas
The Tatum Rawls House
by Missy Brewer, who gratefully acknowledges Spessard Stone’s contribution of data on the life of Laura Fredonia Redd. The c.1889 Tatum-Rawls House at Crowley is one of the oldest examples of pioneer Florida architecture still standing in Sarasota County. The building is a record of southwest Florida’s rural history. The Center’s volunteers have helped restore the house … Continue reading The Tatum Rawls House
Jasper Crowley – An Introduction
Crowley, Jasper (William Jasper), 1900-1976 Jasper Crowley, grandson of pioneer settler John Crowley, donated Crowley lands to the community in 1974. Jasper was a teacher at the Old Miakka one-room Schoolhouse from 1931-1943. In those days, people lived on enough land to keep a garden and some chickens, and the children had chores to help run the farms. Jasper believed that if … Continue reading Jasper Crowley – An Introduction
Miakka or Myakka?
Which spelling is correct? The answer is not simple. Background: According to 16th century Spanish Mission reports, an indigenous hunter/gatherers tribe along the St.Johns River called themselves the Mayaca. Since they had no written language, there was no specific spelling of that name. The name “Mayaca” referred to both the principal village and the chief … Continue reading Miakka or Myakka?