Secretary Detzner Announces Launch of Florida History in 3D Online Artifacts Exhibit

Tallahassee, Fla. –

Secretary of State Ken Detzner today announced the launch of the new online artifacts exhibit, Florida History in 3D. The website combines archaeology, history, and innovation to present artifacts in a fun, interactive and educational format.

“‘Florida History in 3D’ allows worldwide access to some of the most significant and interesting artifacts in Florida’s Archaeology collection. Using state of the art three-dimensional photogrammetry techniques, users can discover and examine artifacts from their computers or mobile devices normally only seen in museums,” said Secretary Detzner. “The artifacts in the State of Florida’s archaeological collection belong to the citizens of our state. FloridaHistoryin3D.com allows us to share these unique, historical artifacts and their stories to students, educators, the public and interested individuals around the world.”

The inaugural collection, Spanish Plate Fleet Wrecks, is the first in what will be a growing online exhibit highlighting artifacts from the State of Florida’s collection. The Spanish Plate Fleets lost off the coast of Florida in 1715 and 1733 have long evoked awe and fascination. Named the “Plate Fleets” for the plata (silver) coins they carried, the remains of these fleets weave an archaeological tale of international trade, colonialism, piracy, high seas adventure and tragedy. Beyond the gold and silver that was scattered on the sea floor, the wrecks of the Plate Fleets provide insight into the economy of the Spanish empire and maritime culture of the 18th century.

The Spanish Plate Fleet artifacts are presented within three themes: arms and armor, daily life, and trade. While the Department of State is currently sharing these artifacts with museums across Florida, visitors to the website can experience these objects from anywhere.

This exciting site will be launched in conjunction with a talk by Dr. James Delgado on Shipwreck Archaeology at the Museum of Florida History tonight from 5:30–7:30 p.m. to celebrate Florida Archaeology Month and March of Museums.  To see the artifacts in person, visit any of the Florida museums that currently display artifacts from the collection on loan from the Florida Department of State. The museums are identified on an interactive map on the site. 

To learn more or to experience the collection, visit FloridaHistoryIn3D.com. 

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About Florida’s Archaeological Collection

The Florida Division of Historical Research, Bureau of Archaeological Research is responsible for curating archaeological objects collected on state-owned and state-managed lands. The collection originated in 1965 with the appointment of Florida’s first State Archaeologist. Through the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century, Florida’s archaeological collection has continued to grow. Today the collection contains over 1 million artifacts, and over 85,000 artifacts are on loan to more than 100 institutions within Florida and the United States.

About The Bureau of Archaeological Research

The Florida Department of State’s Bureau of Archaeological Research (BAR) 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. 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. The Division Director’s office oversees a grants-in-aid program to help preserve and maintain Florida’s historic buildings and archaeological sites; coordinates outreach programs such as the State Historic Markers program and the Florida Folklife program which identifies and promotes the state's traditional culture. DHR directs historic preservation efforts throughout the state in cooperation with state and federal agencies, local governments, private organizations, and individuals. The Division director 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, archaeological research and historic preservation. For more information, visit flheritage.com