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Exhibit features Spanish exploration, Indian cultures
By WAYNE AYERS
Article published on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 |
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![[Image]](/content_images/042908_leart-01.jpg) |
| Photo by NANCY AYERS |
| A thatched hut furnished for a Spanish merchant ship officer is part of the For God and Gold exhibit at the Dunedin Historical Museum now through September. |
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DUNEDIN – For God and Gold, an exhibit which tells the little publicized story of a turbulent and often violent period in local history, opened in April and runs through September at the Dunedin Historical Museum.
The presentation portrays the era of Spanish exploration and dreams of conquest, which began on the Pinellas peninsula in the 1600s, and the often violent interaction of the expedition forces with the native Indian cultures.
Developed by local historian and re-enactor Lester Dailey, the exhibit had extended runs at the Pinellas County courthouse and the Indian Rocks Historical Museum before arriving in Dunedin.
This version has been much expanded and includes a multimedia presentation from Fort De Soto National Park, plus additional artifacts, displays and related events that brings to life an era often overlooked in local historical accounts.
The story is one of an invading force with conflicting goals – the search for gold, and Christian evangelization – that brought conflict with a resisting native population.
“We wanted to show life in Florida during that age of exploration, not just from the Spanish point of view, but from the standpoint of the native peoples as well,” Dunedin Historical Museum director Vinnie Luisi said.
A number of topics come into play when developing the story of that era, Luisi said. The presentation looks at everyday life for the Spanish explorers and their dependents in a strange new environment. Also covered are the navigational instruments and technologies which guided the force to their destination.
Warring as well as the religious aspects of the expedition are presented, along with the relationship with the native Indians.
Differences between the Spanish and native cultures are highlighted. In the resulting conflicts, the Indians’ bows and arrows and spears were no match for the guns and firepower of the Spanish weaponry, Luisi said.
The native Americans were punished when they refused to reveal non-existent gold reserves, and the Spanish explorers headed north and west in their search. The conquerors wound up being the vanquished, as a force depleted from several thousand to about 12 finally ended their dream on the Texas coast.
The For God and Gold exhibit will be supplemented with related events and activities, Luisi said. An open house to be held at the end of June will feature Spanish and Indian re-enactors in costume who will interact and speak with guests about 16th century life in Florida. Kids summer camps are also planned along with an Indian arts festival.
The Dunedin Historical Museum is located in the former railroad station on the Pinellas Trail in downtown Dunedin. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
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Article published on Tuesday, April 29, 2008
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