The Story Behind Groundhog Day

By Julia Bauer | January 31, 2024 | Blog
Every Feb. 2, the famous Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his home in the ground for Groundhog Day. If Phil sees his shadow, prepare for six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, we’re in luck – spring weather may roll in sooner. How did this tradition start? This odd American tradition most

Read More

The History of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

By Lindsey Johnson | January 15, 2024 | Blog
The third Monday of January is observed annually as a federal holiday  -  Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. King was a famous civil rights activist born in Atlanta in 1929. King fought for equal rights of all citizens, regardless of race, during a time where racial tensions were high. He delivered his famous "I have

Read More

Nutcracker ballet on stage

The Nutcracker’s Rise to Fame

By Lindsey Johnson | December 18, 2023 | Feature , Holidays
As we flip the calendar into December, we start seeing nutcrackers as part of traditional holiday decor. We explored the history of the nutcracker toy and the ballet to add some background air to this delightful tradition. The Nutcracker Ballet The Nutcracker ballet has become a holiday favorite throughout America. Where did it originate, how

Read More

The History of Toys Throughout the Ages

By Amanda Roland | December 18, 2023 | Feature
Toys have come a long way. Just as our society advances, so do the toys and games that entertain our children. With Christmas coming, we took at look at the history of toys throughout the ages. The Early Years  The history of toys dates back centuries. In early civilizations, there were two main types of toys

Read More

Exploring Fort King in Ocala

By Anibal Rodriguez | March 11, 2022 | Learn
Like most parents, I find myself constantly looking for new and unique (and hopefully affordable) activities to both entertain and educate our kids. Living close to the center of the state, we have discovered many fun locations that are a short drive away and have proven to offer a fun day adventure for our family.

Read More

butterfly rainforest, Florida museum

The Florida Museum Will Reopen on July 3

By Amanda Roland | June 23, 2020 | Blog , COVID-19 Updates
The Florida Museum of Natural History will reopen its doors on July 3 for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Museum members will have early access on July 1 and 2. The museum will be open from Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m., which were

Read More

Old Family Photos

Complete Your Family Tree With These Tips

By Christina Vila | March 4, 2020 | Health , Life
Who are you? For most people, this is an easy question. They classify themselves as mothers or fathers, sons or daughters, painters, teachers or doctors. But for others, it raises a burning question that runs deeper than occupation or social position. It raises a question of the past, of roots and ancestry. And questions are

Read More