Springs Eternal: Florida’s Fragile Fountains of Youth and Finding the Fountain of Youth: Discovering Florida’s Magical Waters


March 23- Dec.15 | Free admission

John Moran has been on a quest to photograph the wild heart of Florida with the passionate eye of an artist for the past 30 years. Springs Eternal is a visual celebration of the state’s natural springs, a meditation on their future and an invitation for residents to fall in love with this vital resource again, mindful that choices made today foretell Florida’s future.

Based on an upcoming book by Rick Kilby, Finding the Fountain of Youth examines how the legend of Ponce de Leon’s quest for restorative waters shaped the Sunshine State’s image as a land of fantasy, rejuvenation and magical spring-fed waters. Rich in images, this exhibition shows how the myths surrounding the discovery of “La Florida” influenced perceptions of the state that still echo today.

 

Exhibit Highlights

• View 88 photos of Florida Springs by nature photographer John Moran including a 20-foot-by-60-foot photograph of two manatees and four other large-scale images
• See photographs comparing the health of Florida’s springs years ago to their condition today, and learn what can be done to help restore the springs
• Learn about Ponce de Leòn’s search for Florida’s fabled Fountain of Youth.

 

Did you know?

• Archaeological evidence shows Florida’s indigenous people including the Ocali and Timucuans used the springs extensively
• There is no historical evidence Ponce de Leòn was aware of the fabled spring (Fountain of Youth) though the legend appears in popular songs and historical texts throughout history.
• Levy Blue Spring stopped flowing in early 2012 following a record-setting drought and extensive groundwater pumping

 

Related Resources

• Springs Eternal Project website