“My Country, ’Tis of Thee” celebrates more than three centuries of American art and design and honors the enduring spirit of American creativity and pride, reflecting how art continues to shape — and be shaped by — the nation’s collective identity.
Most of the 115 works included in the exhibition are drawn from the permanent collection and range from contemporary furniture to Pop Art to historical photos and documents reflecting Marion County’s own history. The exhibition is organized in themes inspired by the lyrics of “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” written in 1831 by Samuel Francis Smith.
In the first bay, don’t forget to check out the timeline, chronicling the history of the Sunshine State. It begins in 1776 when Florida remained faithful to England as a haven for loyalist Tories during the American Revolution. The timeline continues through to this year, celebrating Ocala native and Olympic gold medalist Erin Jackson, who was selected by her peers as the U.S. flagbearer for the Winter Olympics opening ceremony. From its colonial roots to its modern-day triumphs, Florida’s history is a vital piece of the larger American story.
On view in the Edith-Marie Gallery on the first floor.
(pictured) “Jackie Bingham posing with an American flag at Silver Springs,” ca. 1949 Bruce Mozert (American, 1916–2015), Black and white photonegative, 5 x 4 in., State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.
Florida State Timeline Companion Book
Click here for a flipbook version of the Florida State Timeline, developed for and on display in the “My Country, ’Tis of Thee: Celebrating American Art and Design” exhibition.