.
.
This historically significant assemblage contains most of the surviving
battle flags carried by Confederate troops from the State of Florida. Bearing
different decorative patterns, some of the flags were uncaptured, and others
were captured from Florida units and returned many years later.
Florida in the Civil War
Roxcy Bolton has worked to improve the lives of Florida women since the 1960s. Among her many achievements was the establishment, in 1972, of Women in Distress, a nonprofit agency providing services to women in crisis. She was inducted into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame in 1984, in recognition of her accomplishments as a pioneer in the cause of women's rights.
 Red Cross Gray Ladies uniform, ca. 1960 |
 Wool suit with silk blouse, 1981 |
 Pink dress, 1999 |
The Roxcy Bolton collection numbers more than fifty artifacts. Included in the collection are a variety of materials that advocate women's rights and document Bolton's career as a feminist pioneer. Many of the objects relate to Bolton's involvement with the National Organization for Women and her support of the Equal Rights Amendment. Notable personal objects that Ms. Bolton donated include her American Red Cross Gray Ladies uniform, a red suit, and a pink dress. Bolton wore the Red Cross uniform while volunteering at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Atsugi, Japan, in the early 1960s. She wore the red suit in 1981 to the swearing-in ceremony of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Conner. Her most recent donation was the pink dress that she wore in 1999 to the dedication of her Coral Gables home as a Florida Heritage Site.
 U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Conner (far left) greets Roxcy Bolton (far right), 1981. Bolton later donated to the Museum the red suit she wore that day. |
 Roxcy Bolton is pictured beside her Coral Gables home on the day it was dedicated as a Florida Heritage Site in 1999. She later donated the dress she wore to the event (shown). |
For additional information on Roxcy Bolton, see the Florida Memory Project Online Classroom at http://www.floridamemory.com/OnlineClassroom/RoxcyBolton/index.cfm
 Quilt, "Anna's Irish Tulip" pattern Made in Jefferson County, Florida, circa 1845 |
Florida Quilts, 1845-present; approx. 50 examplesSpanning Florida's history from the time of statehood to the present, this collection represents a wide variety of quilt designs and techniques. Highlights include an applique quilt made around 1845; a 1930s friendship quilt made by a citrus packinghouse crew; and a U.S. Bicentennial quilt made by Florida Extension Homemakers. The Museum also maintains files on more than 5,000 quilts registered by the Florida Quilt Heritage Project. |
The diversity of brand-name paper labels used on the inside lids of cigar boxes is clearly reflected in this collection. Not only do they exhibit the detailed lithography and artistic patterns of the day, but they also serve to tie the cigar-making industry of Tampa to the local Cuban American community.
Early examples in this artifact set date from the financially turbulent territorial period, when private banks issued their own currency, often without sound backing. Later examples include bank bills from the statehood period through the Civil War.
Florida Citrus Labels, 1920s-1960s;
|
 Citrus crate label Alligator brand, 1920s-1930s |
The Museum's collection of military items extends from the Seminole Wars to Desert Storm. A few significant items exist from the Civil War and Spanish-American War periods; however, the majority the majority of the uniforms, insignia, and equipment date to Florida's involvement in the two World Wars.
 Pine needle basket Constructed with a Florida postcard woven into the lid, 1910s-1920s |
Florida Basketry, late 1800s-1980s;
|
When Florida became a popular tourist destination in the late 19th century, visitors bought souvenirs to remember their visit. The Museum's collection of these period pieces include fine citrus-motif china, miniature hand-painted jewelry bearing Florida scenes, silver spoons, postcards, and promotional material.
 Governor Dan McCarty Oil portrait on canvas, by Irvin Stoppe, circa 1953 |
Florida Governors' Portraits, 1821-present;
|
Florida
Movies Collection, 1921-present;
|
 Movie poster Creature from the Black Lagoon, filmed at Wakulla Springs, 1954 |
 "Cameona" brooch A Florida river scene, handpainted by Olive W. Commons, 1920-1930s |
Additions to the collections must conform to the Museum's mission statement, and thus must have been made, purchased, or used in Florida. They must be useful for exhibition or study, and their acquisition and care cannot place undue burdens on conservation, storage, or staff resources. They also must be donated free and clear of restrictions regarding their use. When a donation is offered, the collections and research staff evaluates the item relative to current holdings and the Museum's long-range exhibit and collections plans. |
As part of this process, curators and researchers gather as much information as possible about the artifact's history and its potential contribution to related holdings. Once accepted, the item is accessioned, catalogued, and documented according to the Museum's collections policy, which conforms to professional standards.
