Big Foot in The Big Thicket

In 2022, we did an exhibit called "Predators of the Big Thicket" which examined Bears, Red Wolves, Cougars, Cayotes, and the illusive "Black Panthers" so deeply documented in settler accounts.  In seeking out an expert for a speaker, I found Michael Mayes, who had written an excellent an scientific book called "Shadow Cats of North America".  His lectures were so interesting and filled the the capacity of our audience, so we invited him back for a second lecture. I became aware that he had a new book published on Bigfoot called "Valley of the Apes: The Search for Sasquatch in Area X ", of which a large part discusses The Big Thicket.  My skepticism and fear of damaging our reputation was quickly allayed.  We decided to schedule a lecture.  Michael Mays took part in a group of serious researchers, including Zoologists, Wild Life Experts, and University Professors that researched this topic for 20 years.  His research in Big Thicket National Preserved was fully sanctioned by the NPS and they were even provided housing in their research center.

We scheduled this lecture, the first of three at the museum as simply presented a viewpoint about the possibility of these animals in the wilds of The Big Thicket.  The lecture sold out each time, with standing room only.  This became one of the most interesting and well recieved events we had ever sponsored.  This was another event that was well publicized in local media.