ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art's new exhibit, which spotlights the photography of Edward S. Curtis, also spotlights a world vanished.

The intimate, fragile photographs that make up "The Cultural Connections of Edward S. Curtis" are over 100 years old.

For 30 years photographer Curtis traveled and lived among the indigenous tribes of North America, gaining their trust, taking their pictures, and documenting their humanity.

“In [Curtis's] mind the tribes were vanishing,” said Curator of Art Emily Kapes. "Many were already living in reservations at the time, and their culture was really diminishing and becoming westernized.”

Curtis collected his photographs and created a 20-volume set of books entitled "The North American Indian," published between the years 1907 and 1930.

To learn more about Curtis, his work, and the exhibit at the James Museum, watch the video above. The exhibit will be on display until July 21.