AH-TAH-THI-KI MUSEUM

By  Mike Miller  March 16, 2025

The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, located near Clewiston, Florida, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history, culture, and traditions of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Tucked within the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, this museum offers an immersive experience that brings visitors closer to the rich heritage of the Seminole people.

With a name meaning “a place to learn” in the Seminole language, the museum serves as a vital cultural and educational resource. 

The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum was established in 1997 as a way to preserve the Seminole Tribe’s history and share it with the public.

The Seminoles, known for their resilience and survival against U.S. government efforts to remove them from Florida, have a long and storied past.

The museum highlights their struggles during the Seminole Wars, their adaptation to life in the Everglades, and their continued efforts to maintain their language, customs, and identity in the modern world. 

Seminole Chickee

One of the key exhibits explores the Seminole patchwork, a vibrant and intricate form of textile art unique to the tribe.

Visitors can also learn about traditional practices such as chickee hut construction, alligator hunting, and the role of clans in Seminole society.

The museum’s archives house over 180,000 artifacts, photographs, and documents, making it a leading institution for Seminole historical research. 

The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is located at 34725 West Boundary Road, Clewiston, Florida, within the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for certain holidays. 

Visitors can explore 5,000 square feet of exhibits, showcasing everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary Seminole art.

A highlight is the 1.5-mile boardwalk, which winds through a lush cypress dome, offering a chance to see wildlife and learn about the natural environment that has sustained the Seminoles for generations. 

Tips for visitors: 

Wear comfortable shoes for walking the boardwalk trail. 

Check the museum’s website for special events and guided tours. 

Stop by the gift shop for authentic Seminole crafts and souvenirs. 

• The museum is tribally owned and operated, ensuring that the Seminole people control how their history is presented.  

• It is the first tribally governed museum to receive accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums.  

• The outdoor exhibits feature life-sized dioramas depicting traditional Seminole life.  

• The museum often hosts storytelling sessions where tribal elders share oral histories passed down through generations. 

WEBSITE FOR AH-TAH-THI-KI MUSEUM