Florida Department of State Celebrates Florida Archaeology Month

Tallahassee, Fla. –

Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee announced that the Florida Department of State will celebrate Florida Archaeology Month in March by hosting special programs and events in Tallahassee to promote Florida's rich cultural heritage and showcase the state's important collections of archaeological artifacts. 

“This year the Department of State recognizes Florida Archaeology Month by highlighting local Tallahassee archaeological sites, which are managed and researched by our staff,” said Secretary Lee. “Exploring the stories of our past through archaeology is an incredible way to learn about Florida’s history and culture.”

This year, Florida Archaeology Month events include:

Saturday, March 7 - The Grove Museum, 902 N. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL/ 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Backyard Discovery: Archaeology

Join Museum staff for engaging hands-on science activities.  Learn about historic artifacts found at The Grove by the Bureau of Archaeological Research and take part in fun archaeology activities presented by the Florida Public Archaeology Network.  The program is designed for families with elementary and middle school aged children, but all are welcome to participate. Be prepared to be outdoors, wear closed-toed shoes, and bring along sunscreen and bug spray. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, March 14 - The Martin House, 1001 De Soto Park Drive , Tallahassee, FL/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Velda Mound presentation

Join State Archaeologist, Mary Glowacki with the Bureau of Archaeological Research to learn about the history of the Velda Mound archaeology site. The presentation will be followed by a visit to the site. This is supported in partnership with PAST. 

Thursday, March 19 - Mission San Luis, 2100 W. Tennessee Street, Tallahassee, FL/ 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Florida Missions: New Directions in Archaeology and History

Mission San Luis Museum Director Dr. Jonathan Sheppard, Senior Archaeologist Jerry Lee, and Mr. Nicholas Yarbrough, will discuss the relationship between Mission San Damian and Mission San Luis and will explore new information about Mission San Luis resulting from recent historical and archaeological research. The event will also celebrate the new historical marker for Mission San Damian. 

Saturday, March 21- Lake Jackson archaeological mounds, 3600 Indian Mounds Road, Tallahassee, FL/ 1:00 p.m. - 2 p.m. 

Dr. Paulette McFadden of the Bureau of Archaeological Research will lead a walking tour of the Lake Jackson archaeological mounds. 

Each Wednesday in March - Mission San Luis, 2100 W. Tennessee Street, Tallahassee

Lab and Site tours

Join Senior Archaeologist Jerry Lee each Wednesday in March to celebrate Florida Archaeology Month. Learn how Mission San Luis was excavated and what was discovered about the Apalachee and Spanish residents from 300 years ago.  The tours begin at 11 a.m. in the Visitor Center and are included with the price of admission.

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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.