History brought to life

Roger Hostetler handles a piece of flint during the Silver River Knap-In and Prehistoric Arts Festival on Feb. 21, 2026, at Silver Springs State Park in Ocala. [Photo by Michael Warren/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

On Feb. 21 and 22, the campus of the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center inside Silver Springs State Park became a living history demonstration area.

Two of the participants at the Silver River Knap-In and Prehistoric Arts Festival were flint knapper Roger Hostetler and Seminole canoe carver Pedro Zepeda, both of whom demonstrated time-honored skills and traditions. 

In 2025, Zepeda received the 2025 Florida Folk Heritage Award. According to the Florida Department of State, Zepeda is a master folk artist and teacher who specializes in traditional Seminole arts. He makes presentations at conferences and events across the country and his work has been featured in several museums.  

“I want the public to come away from my demonstrations and talks a little more informed about the Seminole people. Not only about our past but also who we are today and we’re still here practicing our culture. It’s important to maintain our traditional arts because they are not simply objects, but carriers of cultural knowledge,” he said in a previous“Gazette” article. 

Visitors to the festival were able to view artifacts in the museum and talk with archaeologists, shell carvers, potters, hide tanners, bow makers and other specialists. A number of museum and park volunteers were on hand to demonstrate pioneer skills and share their knowledge with visitors.

The Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center are programs of Marion County Public Schools. For more information, call (352) 236-5401 or visit silverrivermuseum.com 

Silver River Knap In | Michael Warren

10 photos