Sep 26
Barbara HinesUncategorized Archaeological Context, Archaeology Laws, Artifact Collecting, Barbara Hines, First Floridians Conference, Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research, Florida Public Archaeology Network, Florida State Archaeologist, Florida State University, Geology, Glen Doran, Harley Means, James Dunbar, Jefferson County, Mary Glowacki, Monticello, Monticello Opera House, Panhandle Archaeological Society at Tallahassee, Public Archaeology
The First Floridians conference will run from October 4 through October 6. It will be held in Monticello at the historic Opera House. There is no charge for registering for this conference, which can be done via the conference
The Historic Monticello Opera House, the location of the First Floridians Conference.
website, www.flirstfloridians.com. This conference will discuss the early people of Florida, including the Apalachee of Jefferson County. It will also touch on the coming of the Spanish and the local mission sites. One presentation will explain how the diversity of plant life in the Aucilla Basin attracted and fostered settlement throughout the ages. It will also examine how remnants of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Muskogee (Creek) Tribe of Florida formed.
Speakers will include Dr. Mary Glowacki, Florida’s State Archaeologist; Neil Wallis of the Florida Museum of Natural History; Barbara Hines of the Florida Public Archaeology Network; Glen Doran, Professor of Anthropology and Department Chair at Florida State University; Harley Means, Assistant Florida State Geologist; James Dunbar, retired Archaeologist with the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research and many other knowledgeable professionals.
On Saturday, October 6, the Florida Public Archaeology Network and the Panhandle Archaeological Society at Tallahassee will be co-hosting a Public Archaeology Education Day from 9:30am to 5pm on the ground floor of the Monticello Opera House. This is an opportunity for the public to learn various ways to get involved in local archaeological and historic preservation. The public is also invited to bring any artifacts that they may have found on their property. Archaeologist from various organizations in the area will be on hand to help identify any artifacts brought in. Please be mindful of the local, state and federal laws when collecting artifacts. It is unlawful to collect artifacts from state or federal lands or on lands which you do not have permission to do so. Additionally, please remember that artifacts can only tell us so much. It is the context in which it is found that can provide us with the most information. Before you do remove an artifact from your garden or yard, consider taking a second to take a photograph of it before you remove it and perhaps making its location on a map. You can use a common item, such as a coin, as a scale simply by placing it next to the item in the photograph. This will help us possibly provide more information about the potential archaeological site that exists on your property and you will be helping archaeologists contribute to our understanding of our state’s great history.
We hope that you will consider joining us for what is sure to be a wonderful conference. Monticello is a beautiful location for such a conference, as the town has such a rich history. So while there, be sure to take some time to explore local sites.
Mar 01
Barbara HinesUncategorized Archaeology, Archaeology Education, Barbara Hines, Eddible Plants, Florida, Florida Anthropological Society, Florida Archaeological Council, Florida Archaeology Month, Florida Archaeology Month 2011, Florida Department of State, Florida Division of Historical Resources, Florida Public Archaeology Network, Governor Martin House, History, Hontoon Island, Key Marco, Lafayette Street, Loran Anderson, March, Medicinal Plants, medicine, Native People, Native Plants, Outreach, Panhandle Archaeological Society at Tallahassee, Pine Island, Plant of the Week, Poster, Prehistory, Southeast, Tools, Windover
Happy Florida Archaeology Month everyone! That’s right, our wonderful state has a whole month dedicated to archaeology, and that month is March! This statewide event is held each year to allow Floridians and visitors a chance to learn more about the archaeology and history of our state, and to preserve these important parts of our rich cultural heritage. Each year we have a different theme, and this year’s theme is “Native Plants, Native People”. It explores how native people in Florida used plants and how archaeologist investigate these plants that were used by prehistoric inhabitants of Florida. You can find a calendar of events at http://www.fasweb.org/index.htm.
Each year many organizations are involved in coordinating this statewide celebration, including the Florida Anthropological Society, the Florida Public Archaeology Network, the Florida Archaeological Council and the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources. Many local museums, historical commissions, libraries, and public and private schools also participate and support Florida Archaeology Month.
Each year there is also a poster that is created around the theme. This years poster is two sided and highlights some of the sites in Florida that have contained plant remains. It is a beautiful poster! Probably one of my favorites so far. If you would like to pick one up, just let me know. They are free and a wonderful educational tool. You can also view it at the website mentioned above.
Most people don’t think of plants when they think of archaeology, but the study of plants can provide us with insight into what prehistoric people were eating, what medicines they were using, what tools they were making and their ceremonial activities. By studying sites that contain plants, such as Windover, Key Marco, Pineland, Hontoon Island and various others, we have learned that plants made up to fifty percent of the native diet and at least that much (if not more) of their material goods! However, plant remains are very fragile, and it is very rare to find plant remains at an archaeological site, so these sites are very special and unique. In celebration of Florida Archaeology Month this year, we are going to explore the native plants of Florida and how they were used by prehistoric peoples with our “Plant of the Week” posts. Of course, it is very important to note that this information is just for INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES! Do not use the plants in the manner that we will describe. Native people had an intensive and vast knowledge of the plants and the individuals that were using them. We are just beginning to understand how these plants were used by prehistoric people, so remember, read and learn, but please don’t try! Even edible plants that are considered harmless can have undesirable effects on your body if you are not used to ingesting or using them in the manner described. We hope you will learn a great deal this month about our state’s unique cultural heritage. Hopefully this new knowledge that you gain this month will create a greater appreciation for our state’s cultural sites. So please, take some time this month to attend some local Florida Archaeology Month events in your area. You never know what you might learn! So, again, happy Florida Archaeology Month!
If you are in the Tallahassee area, you might consider joining the Panhandle Archaeological Society at Tallahassee tonight at the B. Calvin Jones Center for Archaeology (Governor Martin House-located at 1001 DeSoto Park Drive, off of Lafayette Street behind Olive Garden) starting at 7pm for a discussion on native plants and the prehistoric peoples of Florida. Loran Anderson and myself will both be presenting on this topic. It is sure to be a great time for all and a wonderful way to kick off Florida Archaeology Month. Anderson&Hines
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