In the early days of Florida tourism, souvenirs evoked the exotic and mysterious, perhaps dangerous land – stuffed alligators, tropical scenes painted on dishes, carved orangewood canes.  As the state road system developed, so developed mom and pop roadside attractions, each selling their own unique line of souvenirs.

200 objects in 1,800 sf temporary exhibit

Location: St. Petersburg Museum of History; St. Petersburg, FL
Location: South Florida Museum; Bradenton, FL

Souvenirs of Florida: The Tasteful to the Tacky

Artifacts in cases tell the story of how each place and culture themed their souvenirs as exotic and strange. Blow up decals from tourist traps livens up a wall.

Souvenirs of Florida: The Tasteful to the Tacky

A mock up of a tourist trap provides display space for antique souvenirs.

Souvenirs of Florida: The Tasteful to the Tacky

The clutter of the timeline shows visually the large number of tourist attractions and their demise within a few years of Walt Disney World’s opening.