Perdido Bay Tribe of Southeastern Lower Muscogee Creek Indians, Inc. was founded in 1990 as an outgrowth of the lifelong work of Bobby Johns Bearheart to preserve Creek arts and culture in the Southeast. Chief Bearheart first learned Creek oral traditions, arts and crafts as a child from his parents, grandfather and clan uncle while growing up in south Georgia. In 1989, he was designated Master Folk Artist by the Florida Folk Life Division of Cultural Affairs, and in 1993 became the first Creek to be honored with the Florida Folk Heritage Award.

An association of native-heritage members and non-native friends, Perdido Bay Tribe for several years maintained a small cultural center and museum on Perdido Key for the exchange of cultural information. The tribe's library and other resources are available to students at every level.  The cultural programs PBT has made available to schools and organizations  in the Pensacola area for many years are now expanded to much wider audiences through our Mobile Museum of Southeastern Creek Indian History and Culture.  

Over the years, PBT's historian has researched and compiled a file of historical and cultural information on the Southeastern Creeks. This ever-growing Online Classroom goes beyond dry facts, to help the visitor gain a perspective of Muscogee Creek Indians as intelligent and industrious human beings.

"We must Never Stop Dancing" is PBT's call to action. We are a proud and honorable people with much to share. We seek to grow in our personal understanding of Creek history and life ways; to help preserve our Creek cultural heritage and to foster the general well-being of all Native American people through art and education.              

PBT's Award-Winning Folk Artist,  Bobby Johns Bearheart has made a name for himself with collectors around Florida and the country with his unique creations including canes, pipes, wood and bone carvings honoring the memory of his beloved elders. Bearheart will tell you that his workshop is where he feels most at home.

Bearheart has made numerous artifact reproductions for use in museum displays depicting SE American Indian culture. For many years the sale of Bearheart Originals and crafts of other artisans were the primary support for our non-profit 501C3 organization. Much of Bearheart's finest work is now in the hands of private collectors world wide. We are working to locate and photograph as many examples as possible to present for your enjoyment. 

Bearheart Gallery features many of Bearheart's carvings and the art of other members of Perdido Bay Tribe.