2025

Considered by many the national hero of Cuba, José Martí (1853-1895) was a patriot and a renowned writer. In 1953, Cuba celebrated the 100th anniversary of Martí’s birth. Cuban officials wrote to María Mantilla de Romero, his presumed daughter, detailing their plans. As part of the celebration, they proposed a national library named in his honor: la Biblioteca Nacional de Cuba José Martí. Curated by Margarita Vargas-Betancourt.

Even before the University of Florida’s (UF) founding in 1905, the women in UF’s community were and continue to be resilient advocates for and agents of transformation. This exhibit honors these women students who carved their own path at UF as their voices shifted from the margins to the center of campus life. Curated by Dalia Bronisas Dooley and Sarah Coates.

Florida has long captured the world’s imagination. Artists and authors have depicted it as an untamed wilderness on the edge of empire and a beautiful paradise. Adventurers, investors, laborers, soldiers, and pleasure seekers responded to this call. Some even made the state their home. No matter what drew them to Florida, many visitors created travel diaries, with race and class dictating their experiences and perceptions of Florida. Curated by Bridget Bihm-Manuel.