Florida Public Archaeology Network - Northwest Region

To all those interested after our commentary on the The New York Times article yesterday!

Mysterious Object Emerges on a Florida Beach, Setting Off Speculation

While we generally appreciate the reporting from The New York Times, this article has us scratching our heads this morning.

Why report on an unknown wreck or dock being eroded out of the sand without including any expert archaeological opinions? Why compare the erosion of this site to the finding of a gold coin and (likely modern) diamond ring somewhere else on Florida’s beaches?

Why *not* contextualize this find by talking about shipwrecks and structures previously uncovered by storms? Why *not* talk about what these sites can tell us about the human past in Florida? Why *not* talk about ongoing efforts to record these sites and document their stories?

The media’s poorly-applied efforts to write about Florida archaeology are why archaeologists here are constantly fighting an uphill battle to educate residents and visitors about the true value of archaeological remains. Archaeology can not only reveal our shared past, it can help inform community identity, give meaning to everyday activities, and provide economic benefit to communities willing to incorporate archaeology into heritage tourism opportunities. Discussing other beach finds like the gold coin (eroding from the wreckage of Florida’s already heavily salvaged 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet) or the diamond ring (probably dropped from someone at the beach) also only further conflate archaeology with the discovery of treasure and encourage people who are unaware of laws protecting these resources to go out and destroy sites in hopes of striking it rich. That doesn’t even consider the loss of research potential!

To the New York Times: if you want to share the meaning of future archaeological discoveries in Florida (or elsewhere), we’d be happy to help provide some input and share what archaeologists are doing across the United States to record these potentially significant sites. Whether this beach find is a ship wreckage, old dock, or something else, it is almost certainly a part of the history of Florida’s east coast!

Florida Division of Historical Resources | Florida Public Archaeology Network - East Central Region | Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program

Mysterious Object Emerges on a Florida Beach, Setting Off Speculation Archaeologists expect to examine the object, which appears to be about 80 feet long and made of wood and metal, during low tide on Monday.

Last Thursday, we were very honored to be a part of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the North Florida African American Corridor Project’s first exhibit at the Apalachicola Center for History, Culture, and Art!

The opening featured our traveling “The Maroon Marines: Archaeology at Prospect Bluff” exhibit with 3D prints of artifacts recovered from the site during past excavations. In addition, FPAN Museum Manager Mike Thomin delivered an outstanding presentation on the history and archaeology of the maroon fortification and the freedom seekers who lived there. It was a packed house!

Thank you to all who joined us and to those who invited us!

To see the exhibit, you can visit it in person at the Apalachicola Center for History, Culture, and Art during their open hours. Not near Apalachicola? Visit our online version of the exhibit at https://express.adobe.com/page/jtXnQtz9Us2ZZ/

University of West Florida | UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities | Florida Public Archaeology Network - North Central Region | City of Apalachicola | Apalachicola Center for History, Culture and Art | Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center | U.S. Forest Service

This week, FPAN Northwest is on a whirlwind tour to visit and work with sites along the easternmost border of our region (and into our North Central region)!

We first stopped by Torreya State Park to deliver re-printed interpretive signs that we had originally worked with the Park to install back in 2012. The signs showcase Civil War history at the site, especially the archaeology of the Confederate Hammock Landing Battery and gun emplacements along the Apalachicola River. Some of the original signs were damaged irreparably during Hurricane Michael in 2018; the signs we brought to the Park yesterday will replace those damaged signs.

Heading south, we briefly visited with resource managers at Prospect Bluff Historic Sites in Apalachicola National Forest. One of our graduate student assistants, Bria Brooks, hopes to focus her UWF Master’s thesis research on the Prospect Bluff site coming year!

University of West Florida | UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities | Florida Public Archaeology Network - North Central Region | UWF Maritime Archaeology |

The FPAN team is at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park for its annual Pioneer Day event!

Graduate and undergraduate assistants are sharing their love for local history and archaeology with visitors until 3:00pm today. If you’re in the area, stop by, say hello, and enjoy the rest of the event vendors!

University of West Florida | UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities | UWF Undergraduate Anthropology Association | Florida State Parks

FPAN staff are here in Orlando, Florida, representing the state’s underwater heritage at the annual Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) show!

Florida is home to incredible underwater archaeological sites…each one contributing to our understanding of human history in and around the state. For more information on some of the programs around the state that interpret underwater heritage, check out the following:

http://www.floridapanhandledivetrail.com

https://www.museumsinthesea.com

https://floridakeys.noaa.gov/shipwrecktrail/welcome.html

https://www.nps.gov/bisc/learn/historyculture/maritime-heritage-trail.htm

https://floridahistoryin3d.com

University of West Florida | UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities | Visit Pensacola | Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail | Florida Division of Historical Resources | DEMA Show

The November edition of our "Archaeology Digs" e-newsletter has arrived!

Click below to learn more about everything we've got planned, including more archaeology talks across the region, several tours on the water and off, and a celebration of Native American Heritage Month.

https://mailchi.mp/flpublicarchaeology/fpan-northwest-archaeologydigs-november2022

To get our e-newsletters sent straight to your inbox each month, sign up to receive them at https://www.fpan.us/regions/northwest/newsletter/

This Halloween Explore, Learn About & Preserve our State's Unique Historic Cemeteries

Yes to this! 🪦

This Halloween Explore, Learn About & Preserve our State's Unique Historic Cemeteries Florida contains a tremendous diversity of final resting places, including Native burial sites both on land and off shore. Individuals and groups from around the state are working hard to protect historic cemeteries.

We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to host our "Experience UWF Downtown: Pensacola Bike Tour" in partnership with the UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities!

Thank you to all those who attended our event. During the tour's two-mile trek in downtown Pensacola, we learned all about UWF's involvement in uncovering our community's archaeology, history, and heritage! We visited historic St. Michael's Cemetery, Veterans Memorial Park, Historic Pensacola, and the city's waterfront near the Pensacola Bay City Ferry terminal.

A special thank you, as well, to Ride More Bicycles and Pensacola Bay Brewery for their amazing support of this program!

University of West Florida | Visit Pensacola | VISIT FLORIDA | St Michaels Cemetery | Historic Pensacola | Pensacola Bay City Ferry

We had an beautiful morning on our Heritage Hike at Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park yesterday!

Our excited group of hikers explored history and archaeology in the Park, including its long Native American heritage, the turpentine and cattle ranching industries, and some early 20th century homesteading. We also had the fortune of experiencing some incredible habitats within the Park. Sightings included endangered carnivorous pitcher plants, a dolphin rounding up a mullet snack in the Bayou, and a cottonmouth snake warming himself (off the trail) in the morning sun!

To learn about Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park’s trails, visit https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/tarkiln-bayou-preserve-state-park

Special thanks to our friends at Florida State Parks and Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park for joining us and for making this hike possible!

University of West Florida | UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities | Florida State Parks

The October edition of our "Archaeology Digs" e-newsletter has arrived!

Click below to learn more about the jam-packed month we've got planned, including several great archaeology talks, a bicycle tour of downtown Pensacola, and kayak tour on Blackwater River!

https://mailchi.mp/flpublicarchaeology/fpan-northwest-archaeologydigs-october2022

To get our e-newsletters sent straight to your inbox each month, sign up to receive them at http://www.fpan.us/regions/northwest/newsletter/

Join us for the next installment of FPAN's "Zoom into Archaeology" series: "The Maroon Marines: Archaeology at Prospect Bluff" by FPAN Destination Archaeology Resource Center Manager Mike Thomin!

During the War of 1812, a fort was built by Black British Colonial Marines and Indigenous people along the Apalachicola River. Called “Negro Fort” by American officials, it eventually became the center of the largest free Black settlement in what is now the United States. This talk highlights the history of this settlement and several artifacts recovered from the site that you can now view as 3D models online.

This presentation is most appropriate for teens and adults, but is family-friendly.

This event will be held in person AND online!

To join in person, the talk will be held at the Florida Public Archaeology Network Coordinating Center classroom (207 E Main Street, Pensacola, FL 32502) on September 29 at 6:00pm CT.

To join online on September 29 at 6:00pm CT, register via Zoom:

https://uwf.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArc-mppjIrHNRsJdGi8EWcHH7jeuqtolvx

University of West Florida | UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities | U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in Florida | Teniadé Broughton

Yesterday evening, we had the distinct pleasure of celebrating National Estuaries Week with our friends and colleagues at Pensacola & Perdido Bays Estuary Program and The Longleaf Alliance!

We toured the Blackwater River along downtown Milton, discussing the significance of Florida's estuaries and inland waterways, the long history of the Milton area, and the underwater archaeology of shipwreck sites in the Blackwater River. After the tour, participants logged stamps on their 2022 Brews for the Bays passport at Beardless Brewhaus!

Thank you to everyone who came out to join us for the beautiful sunset and engaging tour! To learn more about the Blackwater River and its resources, visit the Blackwater Maritime Heritage Trail website:

https://www.blackwatermaritimeheritagetrails.org/

University of West Florida | UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities | Blackwater Maritime Heritage Trail

More exciting news here at FPAN Northwest! We can't wait to work on this project with some incredible partners 🌊

University of West Florida | UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

Ships is delighted to announce we are the recipient of a NOAA Ocean Exploration grant to "Explore Deepwater WWII Battlefields in the Pacific Using Emerging Technologies." This is a truly interdisciplinary partnership between many collaborators across the globe (US, Australia, Japan, Northern Marianas). We will partner on veteran citizen scientist initiatives and work with and for Pacific Island researchers and agencies to explore how submerged cultural heritage contributes to the Blue Economy. We look forward to working with ECU Program in Maritime Studies Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation ECU Department of Biology Florida Public Archaeology Network - Northwest Region Vicki Richards Erin Field David Benavente Aleck Tan Jen McK National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) NOAA Ocean Exploration
https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/news/oer-updates/2022/fy22-nofo.html

A great week continues here in NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary with East Carolina University and Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation!

These photos highlight the target diving and photogrammetric work we've been undertaking here in the Sanctuary. Skills learned during this week will translate to projects across the globe as Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation veterans continue to work with a variety of partner organizations! 💪🤿

University of West Florida | UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

We are excited to be teaming up this week with East Carolina University, Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation, and NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to help facilitate advanced training in archaeological techniques for an incredible crew of veteran volunteers and community scientists.

FPAN's Nicole Grinnan is helping lead dives to test targets located through our remote sensing survey. She's also leading the production of 3D models of archaeological resources through photogrammetry. Stay tuned here to see what we're up to this week!

University of West Florida | UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

The September edition of our "Archaeology Digs" e-newsletter has arrived!

Click below to learn more about everything we've got going on, including our Archaeology Arcade episode today!

https://mailchi.mp/flpublicarchaeology/fpan-northwest-archaeologydigs-september2022

To get our e-newsletters sent straight to your inbox each month, sign up to receive them at http://www.fpan.us/regions/northwest/newsletter/

From our friends at the Pensacola Archaeological Society!

This lecture will be held on Tuesday, September 13, at 7:00pm via Zoom…a great opportunity to tune in from anywhere and hear our illustrious founder, Dr. Judy Bense, talk about her recent research.

Click below for more information! 👇

FALL LECTURE SERIES ANNOUNCEMENT!

Join us for our first lecture of the season:

Ceramic Figurines at Presidios Santa Rosa and San Miguel
by Dr. Judith A. Bense
Professor Emeritus at the University of West Florida

September 13, 2022
7 PM Central Time

As always, this promises to be a unique and engaging Zoom lecture, free to attend. Please register in advance at the link below.

September 13, 2022
07:00 PM Central Time
Please register for the presentation in advance at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqcu6uqTkiEtzZTStHFDMo7wf4VD1Xt8x7

We are so thrilled to be in Ft. Myers, Florida, today for the 2022 Tidally United Summit!

This year’s Summit is highlighting efforts around the state to understand, monitor, and mitigate the impacts of climate change on cultural heritage. The Seminole Tribe of Florida provided an incredible Keynote panel this morning and, right now, scholars and researchers are presenting a wide variety of case studies, efforts, recent work. All of these conversations are happening at The Water School, a beautiful, new interdisciplinary facility at Florida Gulf Coast University.

For more information on today’s event and the event program, visit http://www.fpan.us/projects/tidally-united-summit-2022/

Many thanks to Florida Public Archaeology Network - Southwest Region for co-hosting this year with Florida Gulf Coast University and the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Museum!

Florida Public Archaeology Network - Southeast Region | Florida Public Archaeology Network - Northeast Region | Florida Public Archaeology Network - East Central Region | Florida Public Archaeology Network - West Central Region | UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities | University of West Florida

FPAN Coordinating Center staff had a great time participating in the Submerged Paleolandscapes Continuing Education Unit (CEU) offered by the UWF Division of Anthropology and Archaeology. Over the past few days this course (held at the FPAN Coordinating Center) highlighted some of the cutting edge work researchers are doing to understand how humans migrated and occupied North America. We heard from archaeologists working all over the world in academia, the private sector, and federal government.

While many early sites have been located on land, work that is more recent is looking at potential Indigenous archaeological sites that are now buried under the ocean floor. Large portions of the world’s continental shelves that are presently underwater were exposed as dry land during the last Ice Age. By working with tribal stakeholders, using remote sensing tools, coring underwater samples, and excavating submerged sites, we are only beginning to understand what might be preserved from these early human migrations. We learned from some of the leading pioneers in this field, and the future is exciting!

University of West Florida | UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities | Gray & Pape, Inc. | FSU Department of Anthropology | Florida State University | The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga | UTC Dept. of Social, Cultural, and Justice Studies | Flinders University Archaeology | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) | Atlantic Shores Wind | SEARCH, Inc.

FPAN staff are participating in an amazing Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) training this week at Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area!

Although GPR is utilized by people in many professions, archaeologists use this incredible technology to potentially find buried features without intrusive methods (like digging). Operating a GPR takes some practice, however, so we are excited to get more experience with our unit.

Many thanks to the Bureau of Land Management staff here at Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse ONA for being such gracious hosts this week. Thanks also to Lauren with GSSI for providing our training!

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc | Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area | Bureau of Land Management Florida Public Archaeology Network - Northeast Region | Florida Public Archaeology Network - West Central Region | Florida Public Archaeology Network - Central Region | Public Archaeology Network - Southeast Region | Florida Public Archaeology Network - Southwest Region

Job posting!

FPAN West Central is looking for a creative and motivated person to fill our Public Archaeology Coordinator position! This position entails managing and assisting in all aspects of the development, delivery, and evaluation of outreach, training programs, workshops, and seminars about archaeological resources for a broad cross-section of west central Florida's population (Desoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota Counties). See the job posting for more information and to apply!

Full time
Based at USF Tampa but hybrid and lots of travel in the region
Salary: $45,000 - $47,000

To apply:
1. Select the link to access our careers site.
2. Sign In to access your account or if you are not an existing user select the New User link to create one. (You'll need to add all your information manually)
3. Review the job description and select the Apply button to begin your application.

Put your resume and cover letter as ONE DOCUMENT

https://gems.usf.edu:4440/psp/gemspro-tam/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=31717&PostingSeq=1

Full listing:

Program Planner Analyst
Job ID: 31717
Location: Tampa, FL
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular

Position Details"
Dept Number/Name: 0-1205-000 / Anthropology

College Division: Acad Affairs-Coll of ArtsandSci

Salary Plan: Administrative

Job Code/Title: 9506 / Program Planner_Analyst

Hiring Salary/Salary Range: $45,000 - $47,000
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm (HYBRID)
-but see position description for better idea of schedule

Position Number: 00014176

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY:

The mission of the Florida Public Archaeology Network is to promote and facilitate the stewardship, public appreciation, and value of Florida's archaeological heritage through regional centers, partnerships, and community engagement. FPAN approaches our mission by work in three core areas: Public Outreach, Assistance to Local Governments, and Assistance to the Florida Division of Historical Resources. FPAN operates visible public outreach programs, including promotion of archaeological/heritage tourism; partnerships with Florida Anthropological Society chapters and other regional heritage organizations; dissemination of archaeological information to the public; promotion of existing regional heritage events and programs; and promotion of archaeological volunteer opportunities. This position will report to the Director for the Tampa Regional Center of the Florida Public Archaeology Network, USF Tampa campus. This position is funded by a state appropriation.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Program Planner Analyst works with the FPAN Director to support operation of the regional office and raises awareness and a sense of stewardship for archaeological resources by assisting in all aspects of the design, delivery, administration, and evaluation of training and education programs in the field of archaeology to meet the needs of the Florida Public Archaeology Network. The Program Planner Analyst organizes public outreach and education, and develops opportunities and strategies for engaging diverse publics on archaeological issues. This requires extensive travel within the region of Desoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota Counties (may assist in other counties and regions as needed). In addition, the Program Planner Analyst will cultivate collaborative relationships with and assist state and local governments and the Florida Division of Historical Resources within the region.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist the Regional Director with public relations, manage and assist in all aspects of the development, delivery, and evaluation of outreach, training programs, workshops, and seminars for a broad cross-section of west central Florida's population (Desoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota Counties).
Manage administrative duties for the coordination of programs.
Create written and video media content, virtual and in-person programming for K-12th grade children and adults.

Must be extremely self-motivated and have strong communication skills (written and verbal).
Flexible to work with partners with various degrees of funding and technical capacity.

Available to work evenings (approx. 1-2 per week) and weekends (approx. 2 per month).
Able to conduct fieldwork in Florida-this includes working in temperatures regularly above 100 degrees Fahrenheit and carrying 50lbs or more of equipment.
Able to travel locally to meetings and events (3-5 days/ week), to Central region (approx. 2 times/ month); and overnight (approx. 2-5 days/ month). A vehicle for work travel will be provided.

Performs other duties as assigned

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

PREFERRED:

Master's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Public History or related field. Experience in Underwater Archaeology and two (2) years of experience in a professional training position.

MINIMUM:

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Communication, Education, Adult Education or equivalent with one year of experience in a professional training position; or a Master's
degree in the same field. Certain grants and programs may also have specific education and/or certification requirements specific to the subject matter area of the program.

USF Tampa
Information for Applicants
This position is subject to a Level 1 criminal background check.
Job Opening Number: 31717
Posting Date: 08/03/2022
Posting End Date: Open Until Filled
How To Apply
Click on the Apply Now button. When applying to an opening you will have the opportunity to upload a cover letter and resume.
Apply online by completing the required information and attaching your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. YOUR COVER LETTER AND RESUME, PLUS ANY OTHER REQUESTED MATERIAL, MUST BE IN ONE ATTACHMENT. Only online applications are accepted for this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity
USF is an equal opportunity, equal access academic institution that embraces diversity in the workplace.
The University of South Florida does not discriminate on the basis of s*x and prohibits s*xual harassment. Any person may report s*x discrimination, including s*xual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute s*x discrimination or s*xual harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator. Reports may be made at any time either online or directly to the University's Title IX Coordinator.

Work Location
Campus map and location overview: USF - Tampa Campus

About USF
The University of South Florida is a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report's national university rankings than USF. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is designated as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, placing it in the most elite category among the state's 12 public universities. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference.
Working at USF
With more than 16,000 employees at USF, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay region. At USF you will find opportunities to excel in a rich academic environment that fosters the development and advancement of our employees. We believe in creating a talented, engaged and driven workforce through on-going development and career opportunities. We also offer a first class benefit package that includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, tuition program and generous leave programs and more.