Florida Department of State Celebrates Florida Archaeology Month

Tallahassee –

Secretary of State Ken Detzner today announced that the Florida Department of State will celebrate Florida Archaeology Month in March by hosting special programs and behind-the scene tour events in Tallahassee, to promote Florida’s rich cultural heritage and showcase the state’s important collections of archaeological artifacts.

“We commemorate Florida Archaeology Month to remind and inform Florida citizens of the wealth of knowledge that archaeology contributes to our understanding of our state and nation’s history. Last month we shared the news of recent evidence revealed by our underwater archaeologist’s research and documentation of the Manasota Key Offshore site, a 7,000 year old Native American ancestral resting place in the Gulf of Mexico near Venice, ” said Secretary Detzner. “I am proud to recognize the important work done by our state archaeologists every day on the ground and underwater, to ensure that we protect, interpret and preserve our state’s precious archaeological heritage. I encourage Florida families and visitors to our state to participate in special tours and programs being offered throughout the month of March.”

This year, Florida Archaeology Month events include:

At the R.A. Gray Building, 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee

• Friday, March 16 – Shipwreck Archaeology with Dr. James Delgado –Museum of Florida History Auditorium – Reception at 5:30 p.m., Presentation 6 – 7:30 p.m.

In recognition of Florida’s Archaeology Month theme, Heritage At Risk, Secretary of State Ken Detzner will announce the launch of the state’s new Florida History in 3D website, featuring artifacts held in the state collection from the wrecks of the Spanish Plate Fleet. Renowned nautical archaeologist and policy expert Dr. James Delgado, will speak about shipwreck archaeology.

• Saturday, March 24 – Canoes and Archaeology – Heritage Hall Auditorium – Multiple speaker presentations from 9:00 until 11:30 a.m. 

Join the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research as we explore the question “how do archaeologists use science to learn from dugout canoes?” The event is free and open to the public, and features presentations by specialists in dendrochronology, radiocarbon dating, high-resolution 3D scanning, portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF), and historical canoes. In the afternoon, tour the state’s Conservation Laboratory and the Museum of Florida History displays to see six of Florida’s dugouts on display, and ask experts questions about archaeological science.

• Saturday, March 24 - Behind the Scenes Tours – State Archaeological Conservation Lab and Museum of Florida History Canoe Exhibit – Staff led tours will be conducted between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

See the techniques and process used to preserve state artifacts for display and research in the state’s unique facility, get an in-depth look at the variety of canoes on display in the Museum of Florida History and learn the stories behind each of them.

The Florida Public Archaeology Network has more details about Florida Archaeology Month events taking place in March throughout the state at http://fpan.us/FAM/.

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About The Bureau of Archaeological Research

The Florida Department of State’s Bureau of Archaeological Research is entrusted with the maintenance, preservation and protection of more than 12,000 years of Florida heritage. Archaeological and historical resources on state-owned and state-controlled lands, including sovereignty submerged lands, are the direct responsibility of the bureau. State archaeologists carry out archaeological surveys and excavations throughout Florida, primarily on state-owned lands. They maintain records on historical resources that have been recorded, and assist consultants and planners in protecting sites. The state's underwater archaeology program includes historic shipwreck and pre-Columbian underwater sites, some of which are among the oldest human sites in the New World. The Bureau also manages Mission San Luis, a 60-acre world-class archaeological site located in Tallahassee, featuring a fulltime research program, a living history museum and is the only reconstructed Spanish mission in the Southeast. For more information visit flheritage.com/archaeology.

About The Division of Historical Resources

The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources (DHR) is responsible for preserving and promoting Florida’s historical, archaeological, and folk culture resources. DHR directs historic preservation efforts throughout the state in cooperation with state and federal agencies, local governments, private organizations, and individuals. The director of DHR serves as the State Historic Preservation Officer, acting as the liaison with the national historic preservation program conducted by the National Park Service. The Division is comprised of two Bureaus or major program areas: archaeological research and historic preservation. For more information, visit flheritage.com.