Apalachicola Research Reserve Celebrates Florida Archaeology Day

~Learn about the lives of early residents of the Apalachicola Bay area at this free event~

WHAT: Archaeology Day

WHEN: Sat., March 19, 2016 - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Apalachicola National Research Reserve Nature Center, 108 Island Dr. Eastpoint, FL 32328

HOW: This event is free and registration is not required. For more information, please call 850-670-7700.

The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve is hosting Archaeology Day on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the nature center in Eastpoint. Attendees will learn about the Forgotten Coast’s earliest residents, the science behind archaeology and view local fossils, historic tools and pottery from the Apalachicola Bay area.

Kelsey Kreiser and Kerri Knigge with the University of South Florida will speak at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. about prehistoric shell midden sites of the Apalachicola region. Roger Smith, state underwater archaeologist with the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research since 1987, will speak at 2:00 p.m. about the sunken relics on the Apalachicola Bay and River, including wrecked lumber ships, snapper smacks, steamboats, barges and of course, the mysterious Flintlock Site.

The Florida Public Archaeology Network will be onsite from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring artifacts they wish to be identified, as well as learn more about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

“Archaeology Day is a great opportunity for guests to meet reserve staff and archaeologists from the Florida Public Archaeology Network,” said Jennifer Harper, manager of the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. “Guests will learn about the archaeological evidence that indicates that Apalachicola was occupied for over 2,000 years until just prior to the 16th century and the many ways that the area was considered a center for culture and commerce.”

For more information, please contact Anita Grove, Coastal Training Program Coordinator at (850) 670-7708.