Aucilla Research Institute

Today, Priscilla the Mastodon visited the Branford Public Library for the Summer Reading Program, focusing on prehistoric fossils and tools. Dr. Andy Hemmings and Jamie Moore presented an artifact table featuring a saber-tooth skull, an assortment of animal hides and bones, and other remarkable Pleistocene tools. The kids (and the adult kids at heart) were captivated by the engaging, educational presentation and interactive exhibits. It's not every day you can touch artifacts from thousands of years ago.

Governor Ron DeSantis State Representative Allison Tant to Pioneer Harmon Simon Department of Education Connell Connell

Thank you for the wonderful letter in support of our educational programs.

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To the Honorable Secretary of State Cord Byrd, Senator Corey Simon, Representative Alison Tant & Representative Jason Shoaf,

As a parent of a student at Ivy Hill Academy in Tallahassee, Florida, I am writing to express deep gratitude for Aucilla Research Institute and to recognize Ms. Jana Grubbs, Mr. Tom Harmon, Dr. Andy Hemmings, Ms. Jamie Moore, Ms. Susie Reams, Mr. Richard Connell and Mr. Kash Connell for their recent visit to the soon to be kindergarten students. On June 18th, Aucilla Research Institute came to campus and gave an in depth discussion about dinosaurs and other creatures of prehistoric times on a level that not only could be understood by the children, but activate their imaginations and education.

Their time, care, and presence made a lasting impact.

They did more than give a presentation.

They opened a door.

As a parent, I have learned that for the youngest learners, science often begins as something they see in books, on television, or in pictures on a classroom wall. During this visit, Aucilla Research Institute brought that world directly to them. The students were able to see, touch, question, and experience pieces of Florida’s history in a way that made learning feel real.

For kindergartners, that matters.

At this age, curiosity is still forming. A single experience can shape how a child sees school, science, history, and their own place in the world. When students meet researchers, educators, and professionals who bring Florida’s past to life, they begin to understand that learning is not limited to a textbook. They see that discovery happens here in Florida. They see that their questions matter. They see that they can become explorers, scientists, historians, teachers, and stewards of the world around them.

Facilities like Aucilla Research Institute play a critical role in keeping future generations of Floridians inspired, educated, and motivated to keep learning.

Florida has a rich natural and cultural history. Our land, rivers, fossils, artifacts, and communities tell stories that belong to all of us. Aucilla Research Institute helps preserve those stories while making them accessible to students, families, schools, and the broader public. Their work connects research with education. It gives students access to experiences that many schools could not provide on their own.

That connection is especially important for young students.

Hands-on learning helps children build confidence. It strengthens classroom lessons. It encourages critical thinking. It teaches students to ask better questions. It helps them understand that science and history are not distant subjects. They are part of their home state, their communities, and their future.

The visit to Ivy Hill Academy showed what happens when a research and education program reaches directly into a classroom. Our students were engaged. They were excited. They were eager to learn more. They saw things they had only imagined through television and books come to life in front of them.

That kind of experience should not be rare.

It should be supported.

Aucilla Research Institute represents the type of educational partnership Florida should continue to invest in. Their work supports students, educators, researchers, and communities. It strengthens science education. It promotes preservation of Florida’s history. It gives young people a reason to stay curious and keep learning.

For these reasons, I respectfully encourage continued and future state appropriations in support of Aucilla Research Institute and its efforts.

State funding can help expand student access, strengthen educational outreach, protect research opportunities, and ensure that more Florida children can benefit from the type of experience the students received earlier today. With continued support, Aucilla Research Institute can reach more classrooms, serve more communities, and help prepare the next generation of Floridians to understand, protect, and appreciate the state they call home.

I am grateful to Ms. Jana Grubbs, Mr. Tom Harmon, Dr. Andy Hemmings, Ms. Jamie Moore, Ms. Susie Reams, Mr. Richard Connell and Mr. Kash Connell for the care they showed the students and for the work they continue to do across Florida.

Their visit reminded us that learning can begin with wonder.

With the right support, that wonder can grow into a lifelong commitment to discovery, education, and service to Florida.

Sincerely,
Scott R. Goodlin
Jefferson County, Florida

NEXT THURSDAY
The Aucilla Research Institute will be bringing a Mastodon skeleton, and you won't want to miss it.
Thursday, June 25th at 1pm.
This library program is FREE and for kids of all ages and accompanied by an adult caregiver. See picture below for details. For questions or more information, please call the library or email our program staff at [email protected] | [email protected]

Sponsored by the Friends of Wakulla Library

This Thursday, Priscilla the Mastodon traveled to two events, stopping at the Jefferson County Public Library and Ivy Hill VPK. Many children had the opportunity to learn about the fascinating world of paleontology and dinosaurs, sparking their imagination and creativity. 💡 🦴 Dr. Andy Hemmings and Tom Harmon used the saber-toothed tiger skull and other animal skulls to bring the prehistoric era to life. 🔎 The kids enjoyed the discussion and asked thought-provoking questions, showing their eagerness for paleontology. We may have a few future archaeologists. 🧐📚 Good thing they can start learning now!

Governor Ron DeSantis State Representative Allison Tant to Pioneer Harmon Simon Department of Education Connell Shoaf Connell

Kids are out for the summer! 🌞Today, Priscilla the Mastodon visited two locations: Madison Public Library and Lee Public Library. 🧐📚 Children of all ages learned about animal hides, skulls, and artifacts, especially Priscilla the Mastodon and the atlatl demonstration. 🎯 🦴 Summer started with a memorable educational experience. 🔍🤳

✨Make sure to like comment below with your favorite artifacts (besides, Priscilla 😆).






River Regional Library System Governor Ron DeSantis State Representative Allison Tant to Pioneer Harmon Simon Department of Education Richard Connell

People lined up at the artifact table on this awesome Friday morning! 🤩 Priscilla the Mastodon was the star of the show at the Meet a Mastodon Summer Kick-off event at the Columbia County Public Library - West Branch in Lake City, FL. 🔍📜 Dr. Andy Hemmings and Tom Harmon discussed fascinating dinosaur 🦕 differences with Florida's larger Ice Age mammals 🦣 (cue Priscilla), including the various artifacts crafted from these prehistoric creatures. It was a blast from the past, as children and parents experienced a hands-on, educational, and interactive presentation. Many kids made sure to get their pictures with Priscilla! 🤳

County Public Library Youth Services Department of Education State Representative Allison Tant Governor Ron DeSantis Simon to Pioneer Harmon Connell

Priscilla the Mastodon granted a fantastic visit to the Cub Scouts Camp Day at the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park in Tallahassee, FL. Dr. Andy Hemmings and Tom Harmon presented the famous artifact table, and, in addition to the Cub Scouts theme: 🦕 dinosaurs, ARI members made sure to display real mastodon bones 🦴 on the table, giving the scouts a unique hands-on experience. The combination of education and fun was the perfect blend for a memorable day for the Cub Scouts. 🤳

B. Maclay Gardens State Park Department of Education State Representative Allison Tant Governor Ron DeSantis Simon to Pioneer Harmon Connell

Exciting day at Forest Capital Hall in Perry Fl!

We will be here until 2pm. Come by with the kids and your artifacts!

Join us this Saturday at the Forest Capital Hall for the Fossil and Artifact Roadshow, an educational event where parents and children can discover the fascinating history of Florida from thousands of years ago. There will be a range of Pleistocene tool artifacts on display, and come take a selfie with the famous, photogenic Priscilla the Mastodon! Everyone is invited to bring their personal finds, and let the experts identify the artifact and share its significance.

Come visit tomorrow from 10am-2pm at the Forest Captial Hall in Perry, Florida. You might just hold a piece of significant Florida history in your hands!

County Historical Society