Seminole Museum Collections

The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum’s various collections exist to serve as a repository for all archival and artifactual items related to the Seminole Tribe and, more generally speaking, to the Native American populations of the Southeastern United States.  Collections owned by the museum include a multitude of different archival and artifact items. This includes historical newspapers, manuscripts, patchwork clothing, baskets, dolls, militaria and various pieces of ephemera produced during the early 1900s. 

The office of Collections deals with the management and preservation of over 15,000 objects contained within the various collections of the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum.  Currently the Office consists of three divisions:  Registration, Oral History, and Conservation. 

The Registration Division is responsible for management of the collection including staff processing new artifacts that come in through donations and purchase, while also making sure that the objects currently owned by the Museum are easily accessible for research and exhibit.  They also prepare objects to loan out to other institutions for exhibit.  This division also conducts research into both the topics covered in the exhibits of the museum as well as the artifacts it currently owns. 

Our Conservation Division makes sure that the objects stored and displayed by the Museum are done in such a way that no harm will come to the artifacts.  Staff from the Conservation Division works closely with the Exhibits Division to make sure all objects placed on exhibit is displayed in the safest manner possible. 

The Oral History Division at the museum actively collects the history of the Tribe by interviewing both Tribal members and members of the general public.  The Oral History Division also ensures that the recordings are subsequently stored and made accessible to the appropriate audiences. 

Does the Museum have online access to it's collections?

Through a partnership with Pastime Software, a select portion of our collection is available online.  In order to access the collection please click here:  

What kind of objects does the museum collect?

The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki museum collects cultural items related to the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Native American groups of the Southeastern United States. The collection consists of a variety of objects, from historical newspapers, manuscripts, patchwork clothing, baskets, dolls, militaria and early 20th Century ephemera.

I have something that I think is historic. How old is it? What’s it worth?

The museum does not perform identifications, authentications, or valuations. You can find a certified appraiser at www.appraisers.org/findappraiser. An auction resource like Christie’s or Sotheby’s - or even an online auction site like www.ebay.com, can help you learn more about the value of your object.

How do I donate objects to the museum?

We appreciate your interest in donating to the museum and are happy to review the object with a staff member to determine if the object fits our collection policies. Please send a photograph and a letter about the object to the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, HC 61 Box 21-A, Clewiston, Fl. 33440, or email a digital image of the object to the Collections Officer, Robin Bauer Kilgo, at robinkilgo@semtribe.com.

Does the museum buy historic objects?

We do occasionally consider objects for purchase and ask that you send us a photograph with a letter telling us about the object, please include information on how you acquired the piece and the terms of your sale. Any history you know about the object will aid us in making a determination. Please do not bring it to the museum unless you already have an appointment.

I am doing research on the Seminoles. Can I use your library?

The museum library and archives are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Appointments are required to ensure that a staff member will be available to assist you. Advanced notice is requested, so staff members can prepare the resources necessary to assist you in your research. To make an appointment please call or email the Museum Registrar, Tara Backhouse, 863-902-1113 or tarabackhouse@semtribe.com.