Arts Council of Manatee County News

March is National Archaeology Month and the South Florida Museum has some exciting events planned. March 1st kicks it off with a Heritage Days celebration where visitors can commingle with historic figures, observe rare artifacts and reenact activities of yesteryear. A 4:15 screening of Fantasia incorporates a crucial component of Florida’s more recent cultural heritage. The film will be followed by planetarium shows and family activities. Admission is half price after 4pm and the museum will be open until 9pm. Food will be available for a nominal price. On Saturday, March 8th from 10am- 12 noon families can explore simple film making methods, animation techniques and the “magic” of optical illusions. These activities are in honor of the Margaret Mead film festival (March 4th- April 1st) and are included in general admission.

On Saturday, March 15th from 12-2pm visitors can participate in the Florida Public Archaeology Network’s The Way We Were: Forts, Frontiers, and Families. Join in a scavenger hunt and try your hand at family friendly archaeology activities that everyone can enjoy. These activities area included in general admission. The South Florida Museum is the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida’s west coast and is one of the oldest operating museums in the State of Florida. The South Florida Museum includes the Bishop Planetarium and the Parker Manatee Aquarium. South Florida Museum is located in downtown Bradenton at 201 10th Street West. For more information call 941/746-4131 or visit the museum’s web site at www.southfloridamuseum.org.