The Wandering Disciple

  A white-tail deer shows off its ability to blend into it surroundings in a wildlife diorama at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, formerly the South Florida Museum.  The Pine Upland exhibit showcases plants and animals found in the ecosystem that is prevalent in South Florida.  Deer, bobcats, black bear and more can be found on display in the exhibit. The Bishop Museum in Bradenton, Florida is a museum dedicated to the history of Florida Gulf Coast.  It features exhibits that follow the timeline of the region from the Indians to the Spanish Conquistadors to modern day.  The exhibits cover history, nature and even space through the planetarium. It is even home to a manatee rehabilitation program.   Taken: February 14, 2010 at South Florida Museum (Bradenton, FL)

The Spanish influence on the west coast of Florida can be felt throughout the region including at the Spanish Plaza at the South Florida Museum.  Opened in 1980 the Spanish Plaza was designed with elements from the hometown of Spanish conquistador Herando de Soto.  De Soto was the first European settler of this region.  (Photo:  February 14, 2010)

A reminder to the roots of Florida can be find in the quaint Spanish village at the South Florida Museum.  Here you can follow the footstep of Hernando DeSoto and see what life was like in a Spanish village.  There are many Spanish influences found in the Sarasota/Bradenton region thanks to the DeSoto settlers. (Photo: February 14, 2010)

The early medical history of Manatee County is frozen in time at the South Florida Museum. Here you can see replicas of history, like this dentist’s office, on display in the museum. In addition to historical artifacts in the museum, South Florida Museum also features an aquarium and a planetarium. (Photo: February 14, 2010)

A replica Spanish Chapel is one of the many replica buildings to comprise the courtyard at the South Florida Museum. Opened in 1980, the courtyard was designed to resemble a Barrcarrota, Spain village in honor of Hernando De Soto. Click on the photo to view more photos from South Florida Museum . (Photo: February 14, 2010)

The Bishop Planetarium at the South Florida Museum is a state-of-the-art planetarium dedicated to educated visitors about our skies.  The original planetarium was opened in 1966 but was severely damaged in a 2001 fire.  The new planetarium opened in 2005 and features a digital dome, stadium seating and a powerful sound system to host star/constellation talks, films and lectures.  (Photo: February 14, 2010)

Many years ago, bison roamed the wilderness of what would eventually become the state of Florida. These large animals provided a bountiful meal for the indigenous Paleoindians who lived here over 13,000 years ago. A Paleoindian Bison hunt is depicted in a diorama in the Great Hall at the South Florida Museum. (Photo: February 14, 2010)

Bradenton, Florida: Three attractions in one, the South Florida Museum is a working history museum, aquarium and planetarium. The two story museum is home to historical collections from early Manatee county as well as the Parker Manatee Aquarium and the Bishop Planetarium. Founded in the 1946, the South Florida Museum was originally located on the Memorial Pier in Bradenton. The museum continued to grow and was later relocated to its current location in 1966. Upon the relocation, the Bishop Planetarium was added. The museum grew again in 1980 with the addition of the Spanish Plaza. Then in 1993 a 60,000 gallon tank was added for Snooty the Manatee and the Parker Manatee Aquarium opened. In 1998, the museum suffered a fire destroyed the planetarium as well as the administrative offices of the museum as well as causing severe damage to a newly renovated education wing. The areas were rebuilt and reopened fully by 2005. The museum takes visitor’s on a journey through the history of...