Photo Exhibits

Photo exhibits spotlight various topics in Florida history, and are accompanied by brief text intended to place selected materials in historical context.

Winter Holidays in the Sunshine


Most of the nation considers Florida the escape from the cold winter weather. Lucky visitors would send the folks back home postcards comparing sunny Florida with the snowy North. And few holiday films featured sandy beaches and palm trees. But for Florida residents, winter was a time of holidays, family celebrations, and–sometimes–cold weather.

Three girls making a "sandman" at the beach (1964)

Image Number: C640451

Seminole chairman James E. Billie and family (1985)

Image Number: FA5835

The photograph was from their Christmas card.

The Greenwood children sending letters to Santa (1915)

Image Number: N028862

Greek baklava at Epiphany Day celebration: Tarpon Springs, Florida (1990)

Image Number: FA5108

Juanita Miller in snow scene : Madison County, Florida (1958)

Image Number: MA0136

Boys competing in contest to retrieve an epiphany cross: Tarpon Springs, Florida (1985)

Image Number: FS861175

Photographed on January 6, 1985.

Winner of the epiphany cross retrieval contest with cross and trophy: Tarpon Springs, Florida (1985)

Image Number: FS861182

Florida State University students enjoying a day of snow: Tallahassee, Florida (1958)

Image Number: RC06631

The students are shown in front of Bryan Hall.

Christmas party at the Afro-American Life Insurance, Jacksonville, Florida (19--)

Image Number: N049081

Cypress House at 601 Caroline Street decorated for Christmas: Key West, Florida (2005)

Image Number: DM3730

The building was built in 1888.

Governor Collins' daughter Darby with Thanksgiving turkey at mansion: Tallahassee, Florida (1959)

Image Number: C031282

Collins served as Florida's 33rd Governor from January 4, 1955 to January 3, 1961.