Miami Courant

Unearthed Tequesta artifacts from 800 A.D., prints by naturalist James Audubon, and a cape belonging to the well-known gender non-conforming astrologer Walter Mercado are among the items featured in HistoryMiami Museum's latest exhibition. Titled "It’s a Miami Thing: Highlights from Our Collection," the exhibition opens on July 29, coinciding with Miami's 125th birthday and the museum's 81st anniversary.

"Our mission is to safeguard Miami Stories and one of the ways we do that is by collecting items that document the Miami experience," said Jorge Zamanillo, Executive Director of HistoryMiami Museum. "This is truly the community’s collection, and we hope everyone will visit and enjoy these highlights that capture the uniqueness of our city."

The exhibition was curated from over 30,000 objects and millions of archival items preserved by the museum. It features notable pieces such as a sign from Burdines' original flagship store, Seminole patchwork clothing, architectural drawings of Miami buildings, prints from John James Audubon's "Birds of America," and treasure recovered from the Nuestra Señora de Atocha shipwreck found off Florida Keys 35 years ago. An interactive component encourages visitors to share their own "Miami thing."

Located at 101 W. Flagler Street, HistoryMiami Museum will host this exhibition until January 9, 2022. The museum operates Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., offering free admission until August 31. Starting September 1, admission fees are $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and students with ID; $5 for children aged six to twelve; while members and children under six can enter for free.

The exhibition receives support from Miami Dade County, State of Florida Department of State Division of Arts and Culture, Florida Council on Arts and Culture, Bermont Gold Wealth Advisory of Raymond James, and Mark Migdal & Hayden.

For further details about the exhibition or visiting information, go to historymiami.org.