Summer Speaker Series: The Black Seminole of Florida

Join Us for the 2026 Summer Speakers Series at the Silver River Museum!

Spend your summer mornings exploring Florida history, culture, and nature with engaging guest speakers at the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center, located inside Silver Springs State Park in Ocala.

1445 NE 58th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34470
All presentations begin at 10:00 AM
Presentations are FREE (State Park admission applies)
Seating is first come, first served

2026 Speaker Lineup:

June 13 — Firearms of the Florida Frontier
Presented by Robert Wilson, Historic Firearms Expert
Learn how firearms shaped Florida’s early frontier history from the 1500s through the territorial period.

June 27 — The Ma Barker House FBI Shootout
Presented by Terry Turner, Marion County Parks Tour Guide
Discover the dramatic story behind the infamous 1935 FBI shootout at Lake Weir and the Barker gang’s final stand.

July 11 — Florida-Friendly Landscaping
Presented by Amanda Marek, UF/IFAS Florida Landscaping Agent
Get expert tips on creating beautiful, water-wise landscapes using native Florida plants.

July 25 — The Black Seminole of Florida – 1830s and 1840s
Presented by Matthew Griffin, Living History Specialist
Explore the powerful history of the Black Seminole during the Seminole Wars and Florida’s early history.

For more information, call (352) 236-5401

Hosted by the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center in partnership with Marion County Public Schools. See less