The Appleton Museum of Art will present “On the Edge of the Florida Frontier: Perspectives on Life at Fort King.” Organized by the Gulf Archaeology Research Institute, the exhibition runs Jan. 17-April 8, 2018. An opening reception will be held Friday, Jan. 26, 5-7 p.m.; there is no fee to attend.
“On the Edge of the Florida Frontier” includes artwork, archaeological objects and historic reproductions that highlight what life was like for those who visited Fort King in the 19th century. Fort King was built in 1827 and was one of the key forts during the Second Seminole War (1835-1842). The purpose of this fort was first to try and contain the Seminole Tribe to a reservation and then ultimately to remove Seminoles from Florida altogether. Therefore, this single structure would have had very different meanings to the people who visited ― from soldiers, to Seminoles, to the citizens of Florida. To some it signified safety to others it was a symbol of danger. With these conflicting emotions in mind, this exhibit utilizes archaeological findings in conjunction with archival and historical information to provide a unique window into the material culture of the past.
While highlighting how archaeology has helped to tell a more meaningful story about Fort King, the exhibit also showcases the role Gulf Archaeology Research Institute, a dedicated nonprofit organization, has had in preserving and interpreting this important National Historical Landmark.
In addition to temporary exhibitions, the Appleton Museum of Art presents a permanent collection of European, American and contemporary art, plus Asian, African and pre-Columbian artifacts and antiquities.
Through January 2018, the main portion of the museum will not be available to visitors due to a heating and cooling equipment replacement project. The Edith-Marie Appleton Gallery, ARTSpace, art classrooms and a mini Appleton Store are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, and closed every Monday. During this time, our regular admission fees will be replaced with a pay-what-you-wish donation option.
Owned and operated by the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.