The Florence Indian Mound Museum is collaborating with the Alabama Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association to host a presentation series titled, “Southeastern Native Americans—Fact, Fiction, and Folktales.” The series will focus on different aspects of southeastern Native American history and culture. Presentations will be both in-person and recorded. Michael Wren’s presentation will be on Sunday, March 19th, 2023, at 2:00 at the Florence Indian Mound Museum.
About the presentation: In 1788, a Revolutionary War veteran, his family and the enslaved people they held, left North Carolina to resettle near Nashville, Tennessee. A cavalier decision near Knoxville was made to unwisely take boats down the Tennessee River instead of heading directly overland. That choice resulted in attacks from Cherokee and Muskogee citizens. Death. Capture. Bondage. Separation. Suffering. The consequences and repercussions for everyone involved continued for decades and generations. The consequences became entangled with several major events in Cherokee history.
Michael Wren is a native of Tucson Arizona but grew up in north Alabama. He is a graduate of Auburn University. Mike is recently retired, and lives with his wife, Elise, in Atlanta Georgia. They have three adult children and two amazing grandchildren. Mike has had a lifelong passion for history & genealogy. He has been an active independent researcher for most of his adult life. He has been a committed member of the Trail of Tears Association for many years. Mike currently serves as Director of Research for the Association and as a member of the National Board.
Before the talk, a short presentation will be held to introduce a new donation to the Museum’s collection, made by Anita Flanagan, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and donated by the Alabama Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association.
This program is a collaboration between the City of Florence Department of Arts and Museums and the Alabama Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association and sponsored by the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area. The Florence Indian Mound is located at 1028 South Court Street and is open, Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Call 256-760-6427 for more information.