Arts & Culture
2026-02-165 min readSilver Springs' Hollywood History Takes Center Stage at Appleton Museum
This is a arts & culture news article published on 2026-02-16 covering local Marion County, Florida news. Dr. David Morton explores Florida's springs' impact on American cinema with rare film clips from classics filmed at Silver Springs.
Updated 6 days ago
By Only In Ocala Editorial Team
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Silver Springs State Park's role as a Hollywood filming location will be celebrated during a special presentation at the Appleton Museum of Art on March 7, 2026.
Dr. David Morton, a local historian and film scholar, will present "Silver Springs on the Silver Screen," a multimedia talk examining how Florida's natural springs influenced American cinema from the 1930s through the 1970s. The free presentation begins at 2:00 PM and is part of the museum's Free First Saturday programming.
Silver Springs served as a filming location for numerous Hollywood productions, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and subtropical landscape. The springs' 99% water clarity made it an ideal location for underwater filming, long before modern special effects technology.
"The springs provided filmmakers with a natural set that couldn't be replicated on a soundstage," Morton explains. "The water's clarity and the surrounding Florida wilderness created an otherworldly atmosphere that captivated audiences."
The presentation will include clips from several notable films shot at Silver Springs:
- Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954): The classic Universal monster movie's iconic underwater sequences were filmed in the springs
- Thunderball (1965): James Bond's fourth adventure featured underwater scenes at Silver Springs
- Six Gun Territory westerns: Multiple productions utilized the springs' diverse landscapes
The talk coincides with the Appleton Museum's Free First Saturday program, which offers free admission and family-friendly activities throughout the day. Visitors can explore the museum's permanent collections and special exhibitions before or after the presentation.
Dr. Morton has extensively researched Marion County's film history and has presented at various cultural institutions throughout Central Florida. His work documents the region's contribution to American cinema and preserves local cultural heritage.
What: Silver Springs on the Silver Screen: A Talk by Dr. David Morton
When: Saturday, March 7, 2026, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Where: Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL
Admission: Free
Website: Appleton Museum Events
The presentation is suitable for all ages and provides insight into Marion County's unique place in American film history. Attendees will gain appreciation for how local natural resources contributed to iconic moments in cinema.
For more information about Silver Springs State Park and its history, visit the park's visitor center or explore the Appleton Museum's ongoing exhibitions celebrating Florida's cultural heritage.
Dr. David Morton, a local historian and film scholar, will present "Silver Springs on the Silver Screen," a multimedia talk examining how Florida's natural springs influenced American cinema from the 1930s through the 1970s. The free presentation begins at 2:00 PM and is part of the museum's Free First Saturday programming.
Hollywood's Hidden Gem
Silver Springs served as a filming location for numerous Hollywood productions, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and subtropical landscape. The springs' 99% water clarity made it an ideal location for underwater filming, long before modern special effects technology.
"The springs provided filmmakers with a natural set that couldn't be replicated on a soundstage," Morton explains. "The water's clarity and the surrounding Florida wilderness created an otherworldly atmosphere that captivated audiences."
Classic Films Featured
The presentation will include clips from several notable films shot at Silver Springs:
- Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954): The classic Universal monster movie's iconic underwater sequences were filmed in the springs
- Thunderball (1965): James Bond's fourth adventure featured underwater scenes at Silver Springs
- Six Gun Territory westerns: Multiple productions utilized the springs' diverse landscapes
Educational Opportunity
The talk coincides with the Appleton Museum's Free First Saturday program, which offers free admission and family-friendly activities throughout the day. Visitors can explore the museum's permanent collections and special exhibitions before or after the presentation.
Dr. Morton has extensively researched Marion County's film history and has presented at various cultural institutions throughout Central Florida. His work documents the region's contribution to American cinema and preserves local cultural heritage.
Event Details
What: Silver Springs on the Silver Screen: A Talk by Dr. David Morton
When: Saturday, March 7, 2026, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Where: Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL
Admission: Free
Website: Appleton Museum Events
The presentation is suitable for all ages and provides insight into Marion County's unique place in American film history. Attendees will gain appreciation for how local natural resources contributed to iconic moments in cinema.
For more information about Silver Springs State Park and its history, visit the park's visitor center or explore the Appleton Museum's ongoing exhibitions celebrating Florida's cultural heritage.
Arts & Culture
Events
Silver Springs
Appleton Museum
Film History