In the News: "Commemorating Those Lost Through Time"

A couple of people have forwarded an article in the New York Times National Section about obscure parts of the National Park Service. I realized that its been months since I posted anything, not that much has been happening either this summer, so now is probably as good a time to get into it.

• Commemorating Those Lost Through Time

  22 hours ago ... The De Soto National Memorial in Bradenton, Fla., honors Hernando de Soto, a conquistador whose reputation has diminished in the years ...August 28, 2011 - By JESSE McKINLEY - U.S.

In the article, my stomping grounds fairs fairly well:

Not every site offers a clearly heroic figure. The De Soto National Memorial in Bradenton, Fla., is named for a Spanish conquistador who is now regarded by some as a villain, blamed for destroying American-Indian civilizations throughout the Southeast.

"At the time the memorial was founded in 1948," Park Ranger Dan Stephens said, "de Soto was considered this romantic hero. He was looked at through rose-colored glasses. His reputation has taken a bit of tarnish since then."

Despite the memorial park's inconspicuous location at the end of a residential road in the small town south of Tampa Bay, it is one of the system's success stories, drawing almost 300,000 a year; kayak tours are booked months in advance.

Stunning views

Visitors enjoy stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, a sprawling gumbo-limbo tree, and an annual re-creation of de Soto's landing on the park's shores (though historians believe the actual landing site is about 10 miles away).

In 1993, the Florida chapter of the American Indian Movement protested high schoolers playing the role of natives. As a result, the park has taken over the event and uses it to tell both sides of de Soto's impact. The Park Service now officially states that the memorial's mission is to preserve the "controversial story."

The Art of the De Soto Junior Ranger Book, on display at the South Florida Museum

The Art of the De Soto Junior Ranger Book, on display at the South Florida Museum

http://www.madduxpress.com/arts-and-culture/2009/09/18/the-art-of-the-de-soto-junior-ranger-book-on-display-at-the-south-florida-museum-1826


The Art of the De Soto Junior Ranger Book, on display at the South Florida Museum

BRADENTON, FLORIDA – The South Florida Museum and the National Park Services’ De Soto National Memorial are joining together to launch the release of the new De Soto Junior Ranger Activity Book. The event will feature the work of local artist and historian Hermann Trappmann, whose pieces are featured in the book. A month long exhibit will open on September 20th in the curator’s choice gallery, with an evening reception on Friday, September 25th. The free evening event is for kids and adults and will run from 6pm to 8pm. The reception will include a meet and greet with the artist Hermann Trappman and book designer Jessie Lampack. While there, kids will be able to earn a unique South Florida Museum- De Soto National Memorial Junior Ranger badge. Each child will receive an autographed copy of the new book along with other giveaways and door prizes. Enjoy snack and beverages with Park Rangers and volunteers dressed in 16th century Conquistador period clothing. Please RSVP by calling 941-746-4131 x 11

Event admission and all activates are free. Event hours are 6:00p.m. till 8:00 p.m..
The South Florida Museum is located at 201 10th St. W., Bradenton, Fl

34205. by Interstate take I-75 exit 220 travel West down SR 64/Manatee Ave to 10th St W take a Left, on Right side past Barcarrota Blvd.

-NPS-
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

De Soto's Boat Under Construction

There was an article in the Bradenton Herald yesterday,( Tuesday, August 25, page8D) on the Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez. Of particular note was the photo of the boat under construction that De Soto National Memorial has commissioned. The boat is about 25 feet long with a plank hull.

De Soto Takes a Time Out

De Soto Takes a Time Out and other photos from the 2008 landing reenactment at De National Memorial.