John Merrill Collection

Nicaragua, Granada. Girl in traditional dress after dance in Villa Esperanza barrio. (MR)

Kentucky woman fighting off Native Americans, 1791
Wife of John Merrill defends her Kentucky home against Native Americans, 1791, Kentucky. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Central America, Nicaragua, Catarina. Potters hands creating clay pottery on spinning wheel
Nicaragua, Catarina. Potters hands creating clay pottery on spinning wheel. Catarina is one of the Pueblos Blancos (white towns)

Nicaragua, Catarina. Detail of colorful girth on horse

Nicaragua, Catarina. Potters hands creating clay pottery on spinning wheel. Catarina is one of the Pueblas Blancas (white towns)

Nicaragua, Masaya. Huge Cross on rim of Masaya Volcano

Nicaragua, Masaya. Girl doing schoolwork at shop in Masaya market

Nicaragua, San Juan del Sur. Infinity pool at upscale resort hotel

Nicaragua, Granada. Girls in classroom at school in Santa Ana de Malacos. (MR)

Nicaragua, Granada. Boy in classroom at school in Santa Ana de Malacos. (MR)

Nicaragua, Granada. Girl outside school in Santa Ana de Malacos. (MR)

Nicaragua, Granada. Girl writing on blackboard in school classroom in Santa Ana de Malacos. (MR)

Nicaragua, Granada. Girl in classroom at school in Santa Ana de Malacos. (MR)

Nicaragua, Granada. Children in classroom at school in Santa Ana de Malacos

Nicaragua, Granada. Goat resting on porch in Villa Esperanza barrio. (MR)

Nicaragua, Granada. Teenage boy in Villa Esperanza barrio. (MR)

Nicaragua, Granada. Girl with fan in traditional dress after dance in Villa Esperanza barrio. (MR)

Nicaragua, Granada. Girl in traditional dress dancing in Villa Esperanza barrio. (MR)

Nicaragua, Granada. Silhouettes of crosses and angels on top of graves in cemetery at sunset

Nicaragua, Granada. Interior of Capilla de Maria Auxiliadora church

Nicaragua, Granada. Clown pinata on display in shop

Nicaragua, Granada. Sugar cane for sale in market

Nicaragua, Granada. Streets with pastel houses, viewed from above through iron grill in window of bell tower of Iglesia La Merced (La Merced Church)

Nicaragua, Granada. Giant bell in bell tower of Iglesia La Merced (La Merced Church)

Central America, Nicaragua
Nicaragua, Granada. Belltower of Cathedral of Granada and Lake Cocibolca (Lake Nicaragua) from tower of Iglesia La Merced (La Merced Church)

Nicaragua, Granada. Belltower of Cathedral of Granada viewed from garden courtyard with ferns

Guatemala, Antigua. Wrought-iron window grate, with shadows on turquoise wall

Japan, Honshu island, Kyoto, decorative Washi rice papers on display in store

Japan, Honshu island, Kyoto, two women in kimonos under cherry blossom trees at Kiyomizudera Temple. (MR)

Japan, Honshu island, Kyoto, detail of traditional silk kimono

Japan, Gifu prefecture, Takayama (also known as Hida-Takayama), red Nakabashi Bridge over Miyagawa River, with cherry blossom trees in bloom

Japan, Honshu island, Nara, bronze urn where worshippers light incense at the entrance to the Great Buddha Hall within the Todaiji Temple complex, a U.N. World Heritage Site

Japan, Honshu island, Nara, silk bag worn by Buddhist monk at Kofukuji Temple, a U.N. world heritage site

Japan, Kanagawa prefecture, Hakone, Open Air Museum, girl (age 10) climbing on rainbow sculpture (MR)

Baobob tree (Adansonia digitata), Okavango Delta, Botswana

Silk fabric on display in shop in historic Yanaka neighborhood, Tokyo, Japan

Red painted paper lantern and tree, Kyoto, Honshu island, Japan

Japan, Honshu island, Kanagawa Prefecture, Kamakura, paper lanterns along road leading to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine

Close-up of giant red umbrella, Nara, Honshu island, Japan

Cherry blossom tree and silk tapestry of elaborate festival float (yatai) in Gonjunko Procession during Sanno Festival of Hie Jinja Shrine, Takayama, Gifu prefecture, Japan

Embroidered lion on festival float (yatai) which is paraded through streets in Gonjunko Procession during Sanno Festival of Hie Jinja Shrine, held annually in April

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"John Merrill: A Journey through History and Culture in Central America" Step back in time to 1791, as we witness the bravery of a Kentucky woman fighting off Native Americans. Her resilience echoes throughout the ages. In Nicaragua's Granada, immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions as you encounter a girl adorned in traditional dress after an enchanting dance in Villa Esperanza barrio. The rich cultural heritage comes alive before your eyes. Nature enthusiasts rejoice. Spotting a spider monkey (ateles geoffroyii) gracefully swinging from tree branches is an awe-inspiring sight that can only be found amidst Central America's lush landscapes. Travel further into Nicaragua, where Catarina reveals its artistic soul. Witness potters' skilled hands creating clay pottery on spinning wheels - a testament to their craftsmanship passed down through generations. Guatemala's Antigua beckons with its colorful charm. Explore the handicraft market and marvel at painted masks for sale; each one tells a story of Mayan traditions and ancient rituals. As you stroll along Antigua's streets, La Merced church stands tall with its intricately carved facade, showcasing architectural wonders that have stood against the test of time. Back to Nicaragua's Catarina, discover every detail of a horse's colorful girth – an embodiment of local creativity and love for their equestrian companions. Central America never ceases to amaze with its diverse beauty. From breathtaking landscapes to captivating cultures, this region offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Join John Merrill on his journey through these lands steeped in history and culture – experience firsthand the magic that lies within Central America’s heartland.