Explore America and discover people, places, art, and history that connect to Florida in the Smithsonian’s collections, held in trust for the American people. Florida is known for its manatees, Walt Disney World, and Everglades National Park. The Apollo 11 mission launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, putting humans on the moon for the first time. The stock car racing organization NASCAR was founded at the Streamline Hotel in Daytona Beach. Scientists at the University of Florida invented Gatorade, a sports drink named after the Florida Gators. Mechanical refrigeration was invented in Apalachicola in an attempt to treat Yellow Fever.
Changemaker Marjory Stoneman Douglas fought for women’s and civil rights, as well as the conservation of Florida’s Everglades. Labor leader and civil rights activist A. Philip Randolph founded the nation's first Black labor union and organized the 1963 March on Washington. Janet Reno served as the nation’s first female Attorney General.
Floridian musicians include Gloria Estefan, Julian “Cannonball” Adderley, Pat Boone, and Frances Langford. In 1964, Sidney Poitier became the first Black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. Artist Bob Ross is beloved for his instructional television program “The Joy of Painting.” Eatonville’s Zora! Festival celebrates the life and work of writer Zora Neale Hurston. International Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert won 18 major singles titles, seven French Open titles, and six US Open titles.