Get ready for an enchanting evening at the Clewiston Museum! On March 12, 2026, the museum will host “Museum After Hours,” featuring the captivating theme of “Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids.” This special event promises to be a delightful dive into the history of one of Florida’s most whimsical attractions.
The highlight of the evening will be a presentation by the esteemed author Lu Vickers, who will share her insights on Weeki Wachee Springs through the lens of her book, Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography. This work showcases the fascinating history of the mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs, adorned with stunning vintage photographs that capture the magic of this legendary site.
Lu Vickers: A Literary Luminary
Lu Vickers is no stranger to accolades, having received a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship for fiction, two Florida Book Awards, and three Florida Individual Artists Fellowships. Her extensive body of work includes titles such as Remembering Paradise Park (co-authored with C. Graham) and Breathing Underwater, in addition to her historical explorations of Florida, including the aforementioned Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids and Cypress Gardens, America’s Tropical Wonderland.
Weeki Wachee Springs, famous for its mesmerizing mermaid shows, was founded in 1947 when Newt Perry sank a theater into the natural springs. This unique venue became a cultural icon, with its mermaids performing silent ballets that captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. The mermaids’ performances reached a peak in popularity, making them treasured symbols of Florida’s entertainment history.
The Role of Florida Humanities
The “Museum After Hours” event is part of the Florida Humanities Center for the Book, highlighting the importance of cultural and historical preservation in the Sunshine State. Funding for this program is generously provided by Florida Humanities, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and in partnership with the Clewiston Museum. It’s important to note that the views and findings expressed during the program do not necessarily reflect those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
For more information about the event and the captivating history of Weeki Wachee, you can visit Lake Okeechobee News and Florida Humanities.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore the underwater wonder of Weeki Wachee Springs and its beloved mermaids! For additional resources, you can also check out Florida Humanities Media.