Florida Cattle Ranching

Proudly featuring a presentation by folklorist, photographer and author, Bob Stone. His engaging and informative multi-media program explores and celebrates the history and culture of the nation's oldest cattle ranching state from the colonial period to the 21st century. The focus is on all aspects of Florida cattle ranching traditions including material culture such as Cracker cow-whips and unique ranch gate designs, swamp cabbage and other food-ways, cowboy church and Cracker cowboy funerals, Seminole ranching past and present, occupational skills such as roping and branding, our vibrant rodeo culture, side-splitting cowboy poetry, feisty cow-dogs, and much more! The Florida Department of State honored Mr. Stone in 2011 with the Florida Folk Heritage Award in recognition of his outstanding achievements as a lifelong advocate of the folk arts and folk artists of Florida.