Cortez, Fla. (1/20/2022) – The Florida Maritime Museum (FMM) is thrilled to announce the opening of their temporary exhibit located at the Rocky Bluff Branch of the Manatee County Library system. The exhibit, entitled “Chart Your Course: The Technology of Maritime Navigation” can be viewed at the Rocky Bluff Branch during regular library hours from Wednesday, January 19 through Tuesday, February 22 and features an array of nautical Florida charts and navigational tools.
The exhibit highlights key advances in maritime navigational technology and educates viewers on how sailors navigated the seas before the invention of GPS. Several objects found in the display are rarely on exhibit at the museum proper – giving viewers an exciting “insider view” of the FMM permanent collection. An interactive component can be accessed via QR code and provides a detailed lesson plan for how novice explorers can make their own compass (using house-hold items) in the comfort of their own homes.
The Rocky Bluff Branch is located at 6750 US Highway 301 North, Ellenton, FL 34222. Visit the Manatee County Libraryfor information on opening hours.
The Florida Maritime Museum, located at 4415 119th Street West in the historic fishing village of Cortez, offers a snapshot of old Florida through a collection of informative exhibits, educational programs, community events, and research materials. Visit FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org for more information, or call (941) 708-6120.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA MARITIME MUSEUM
Serving the public since 2007, the museum’s mission is to collect, preserve and share traditional knowledge, cultural artifacts and personal stories specific to Florida’s fishing and maritime heritage. The Florida Maritime Museum is a part of the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Historical Resources Department, with additional support from the Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum. Situated on the Cortez Nature Preserve, FMM grounds were purchased with funds from the Florida Communities Trust Preservation 2000 Program and the Manatee County Board of County Commission. Located in the 1912 schoolhouse in the historic fishing village of Cortez, the museum offers a snapshot of old Florida through a collection of informative exhibits, educational programs, community events, and research materials.