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Dade Heritage Trust (DHT) recently unveiled a new permanent museum exhibit, “Biscayne Bay: Our Water, Our World,” at the non-profit’s headquarters located at 190 SE 12 Terr. in the Brickell neighborhood.
“The exhibit is incredibly timely. With all of the well-publicized issues facing the bay’s severe decline, the need for public education and engagement is crucial to the bay’s future health,” said Christine Rupp, Dade Heritage Trust executive director.
The exhibit — featuring historic photographs, contemporary images and the live-streaming Coral City Camera — provides visitors and residents alike the opportunity to learn about the importance of protecting and preserving one of Miami’s most valuable natural resources.
“For nearly 50 years, the Dade Heritage Trust has worked to preserve the history of our culture and our community here in Miami-Dade,” said William D. Talbert, III, CDME, president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We now celebrate the safe reopening of the Visitor Center and are eager for everyone check out this exhibit.
Now, perhaps more than ever, we all want to enjoy Florida’s natural environment, but we must also learn how to safely preserve our gorgeous water, beaches and shorelines.”
The new exhibit, which is located inside the historic office of Dr. James Jackson – Miami’s first physician – is DHT’s second permanent exhibit, in addition to Miami Medicine, which explores the life and work of Dr. Jackson.
“As the office serves as anofficial Visitors Center for the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Miami Downtown Development Authority, the exhibit is open to the public seven days a week,” Rupp added. “But with COVID-19, we are working hard to bring the exhibit to Miami-Dade Public School students virtually.”
The information from “Biscayne Bay: Our Water, Our World,” will be integrated into DHT’s popular and free K-12 educational programming. However, for the time being, it will be presented to students virtually via Zoom. Once schools are ready for fieldtrips, part of the learning experience is a stroll to the Miami Baywalk, where students perform a water quality experiment, developed in conjunction with Miami Waterkeeper,a South Florida non-profit organization that advocates for swimmable, drinkable, fishable water for all.
“Dade Heritage Trust’s knowledgeable environmental and academic partners provided invaluable insight and information to enhance our science-based educational opportunities which reflect the environmental preservation facet of our mission,” Rupp said.
This exhibit was funded through generous donations by The Batchelor Foundation, Peacock Foundation, Miami-Dade County and the MiamiDDA. Additional support has been provided by Biscayne National Park, Miami Waterkeepers, DERM, South Florida Water Management District, Army Corps of Engineers, Everglades National Park, National Parks Conservation Association, NOAA, University of Miami Rosensteil School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, HistoryMiami, FloridaMemory, and FIU.
Due to COVID-19, DHT will follow proper social distancing protocols, require face coverings, and limit the number of visitors at a time. To learn more about Dade Heritage Trust call 305-358-9572 or visit dadeheritagetrust.org.
Dade Heritage Trust (DHT) is Miami-Dade County’s largest preservation organization.
Founded in 1972 as a grassroots organization to save and protect Miami-Dade County’s historic buildings, DHT’s mission is to preserve our community’s architectural, environmental and cultural heritage. Through a variety of programs, advocacy projects, special events, exhibits and presentations, DHT furthers the mission by engaging Miami-Dade residents and visitors in preservation education.
