In keeping up with Florida Archaeology Month, Pensacola has been focused on informing the public about the city’s history through various lectures during March.
Coordinated by the Florida Anthropological Society, Florida Archaeology Month is held every March in order to encourage Floridians to learn about the archaeology and history of the state and to preserve its culture and heritage.
According to the Florida Public Archaeology Network, Pensacola is the oldest European settlement in the nation, dating back to 1559, when it was first colonized by Spain. The city has researched many archaeological sites, such as the Emmanuel Point Shipwreck and the USS Massachusetts.
The lecture series, titled “Culture Research in Florida Heritage,” is being held every Tuesday this month at the Bowden Building at 120 East Church St. The lectures are free and open to the public. They beginn at 7 p.m. and end at 8 p.m.
The first lecture, held on March 2, featured staff manager Adrianne Sams of the Arcadia Mill archaeological site in Milton. The lecture held on March 9 featured Jerry Lee, senior archaeologist for the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research.
The March 16 lecture featured Jake Shidner, graduate anthropology student at the University of West Florida. He discussed the examination of the hygiene and living conditions aboard a ship discovered near Emanuel Point.
Two more lectures will be held this month to conclude the series. The FPAN and UWF will be presenting a celebration event in honor of Archaeology Month separately from the lecture series.
The event will be held on March 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the FPAN Coordinating Center at 207 East Main St. Activities will include demonstrations, arts and crafts, hands-on activities, heritage organization displays and artifact identification.
For more information about Florida Archaeology Month or the lecture series, visit www.flarchmonth.com or contact Irina Franklin at ifranklin@uwf.edu.
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