Wakulla Public Archaeology Day

WCHS members and visitors at the FPAN table.

     This past Saturday the Wakulla County Historical Society and FPAN co-hosted the first ever Wakulla Public Archaeology Day. There were over 45 visitors to the museum for this event. The public was invited to bring any artifacts that they have found so that they could be identified. Archaeologists from FPAN, The Panhandle Archaeological Society at Tallahassee and Florida State University were on hand to assist with the identification of these artifacts and to discuss Florida's unique past. I think it is safe to say that we all learned something new this past Saturday. 

    It is important that both archaeologists and private collectors have a chance to collectively discuss Florida archaeology. It is an important step in making certain that our state's cultural resources are being properly recorded and protected. There are laws that protect our cultural heritage, and it is important that the public is educated about what these laws are and why they exist. All of the citizens of this state share in that responsibility. Public Archaeology Days allow for open discussion and education for all parties involved. Plus, we all enjoy seeing the interesting things that people are finding in their own backyards! It was also a wonderful opportunity to check out the museum exhibits and learn about all the great local organizations  that are available to the public that are interested in historic and archaeological preservation and protection. Both the Wakulla County Historical Society and the Panhandle Archaeological Society at Tallahassee are open to anybody interested in learning more about our history and cultural resources.

Assortment of historic artifacts brought in for identification.

     Visitor's to the Public Archaeology Day brought with them some very interesting artifacts that they had collected in various parts of Wakulla and Leon counties. We saw everything from rare antiques from the mid-1800s to Paleoindian projectile points that were made by humans in Florida over 12,000 years ago. We even had a few antique books show up. It is amazing what type of cultural resources people  unexpectedly find in their own yards or even their attics while going about their daily activities. This makes it even more important for the citizens of Florida and visitors to the state to be educated on how to protect these resources  and have the opportunity to actively participate  in the  stewardship of these resources. However, it is even more important that people understand the value of these resources and the reasons for their protection. Public Archaeology Days are a great venue for educating the public about archaeology.  It is also a great chance for people to have an opportunity to see things that they may never otherwise have the chance to see.  

Casts of faunal material and artifacts found in Florida.

      In addition to the public bringing in their artifacts, some of the archaeologists that participated in the Wakulla Public Archaeology Day brought some casts of interesting artifacts that they have found in the area.  One of the more popular items on display was the cast of the leg bones of a mammoth, like that found in Wakulla Springs. Also on display was the cast of a skull of a saber cat! Yes, saber cats and mammoths both lived in Florida at one time (over 12,000  years ago)! 

    Archaeology is something that interests many people and can put us in touch with our shared human past. It is quite a feeling to hold something in your hand that was made by a person over 11,000 or even 100 years ago. It is also a wonderful feeling to visit an archaeological site and realize that it has stood the test of time, thanks in part to stewardship of both the general public and professionals alike. If you have questions or concerns about an archaeological site, don't hesitate to contact your local FPAN office, that is what we are here for!