Florida Public Archaeology Network - Northeast & East Central Regions

09/18/2026

Has anyone been yet? We’re making a plan to visit. We 💗 Kathy Deagan!

Excavating a Legacy: Dr. Kathleen Deagan
Marston Science Library, 2nd floor
August 20 - December 18, 2026

Dr. Kathleen Deagan began her career as one of only a few women archaeologists. Despite the professional challenges that brought, she pioneered historical archaeology techniques that are utilized worldwide. Since 1972, she has excavated in St. Augustine, Florida. Her work there led to one of her most significant achievements, identifying Ft. Mose, the first free Black community in what would later become the United States. Today, after more than 50 years in the field, she is a world-renowned scholar who continues to publish books and excavate historic sites.

Excavating a Legacy was curated by Maile McCall, in partial fulfillment of a Master of Arts in Museum Studies (UF). McCall worked with Gifford Waters (Collections Manager for Historical Archaeology, Florida Museum of Natural History) and Lourdes Santamaría-Wheeler (Exhibits Director, Smathers Libraries) to research and create the exhibit. It was designed by Katiana Bagué (Exhibits Associate, Smathers Libraries) and Lourdes Santamaría-Wheeler. The exhibit features items from the Smathers Libraries, excerpts from oral history interviews, and artifacts from the Florida Museum of Natural History, where Dr. Deagan was Curator of Historical Archaeology for 28 years. Exhibition highlights include 16th, 17th, and 18th century archaeological artifacts, several of Dr. Deagan’s numerous publications, and personal letters and ephemera.

The exhibit is on view on the 2nd floor of Marston Science Library August 20, 2026 – December 18, 2026. The building is open to the public Monday through Friday 8:00a.m. – 10:00p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10:00am – 6:00pm except for university holidays and semester breaks. For exceptions and holidays view the building hours on the Libraries’ shared calendar. All exhibitions are open to the public and free of charge.

Curated by Maile McCall, under the guidance of Lourdes Santamaría-Wheeler and in partial fulfillment of a Master of Arts in Museum Studies

Featuring items from Smathers Libraries and the Florida Museum of Natural History

Contact
Lourdes Santamaría-Wheeler
Exhibits Director, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida
[email protected]

UF Museum Studies UF School of Art + Art History Florida Museum of Natural History

09/18/2026

We spent the day at the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor’s Florida Summit at the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center. Wonderful people, engaging conversations on economic development, resiliency, and family legacies. Excellent food provided by Green Legacy Farms. Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor.

09/17/2026

FPAN joined the Biophilia Institute, Hispanic Access Foundation, and the Orange Soil and Water Conservation District for 'Exploring the Watershed: Educational Navigation to the Headwaters of the Everglades!' This event celebrated Latino Conservation Week by reconnecting Hispanic organizations and communities in Central Florida with our precious Everglades ecosystem. Faruk Bagdah gave the introductions, and Dr. Phyllis Olmstead ('Dr. O') gave an Everglades historical overview. Then, we got to experience it firsthand with an airboat ride on Lake Cypress, which was a first for most people, and excitement abounded!

09/16/2026

09/09/2026

Join Nuestra Cultura Outdoors and Dr. Kelly Martinez Semrad for a morning of exploring a beautiful wetlands ecosystem in east Orange County. The Orlando Wetlands is home to a plethora of wildlife including birds, gators, turtles, and more.
This event is a collaboration in honor of Latino Conservation Week, a Hispanic Access Foundation initiative to increase Latinos’ experiences with the outdoors and protect our natural resources.
The hike will be beginner-level so all ages are welcome. Please plan on bringing a hat, water bottle, and protection from the sun as there are limited shady areas.

¡Ven de excursion con nosotros!
Únete a Nuestra Cultura Outdoors y Dr. Kelly Martinez Semrad para pasar una mañana explorando un precioso ecosistema de humedales al este del condado de Orange. Los humedales de Orlando albergan una gran variedad de fauna silvestre, entre la que se incluyen aves de todo tipo, caimanes, tortugas y mucho más.
Este evento es una colaboración en homenaje a la Semana de la Conservación Latina, una iniciativa de la Fundación hispanicaccess destinada a fomentar las experiencias de los latinos al aire libre y a proteger nuestros recursos naturales.
Nuestra ruta de senderismo será de nivel principiante, por lo que todas las edades son bienvenidas. No olvides traer un sombrero, una botella de agua y protección solar, ya que hay pocas zonas de sombra.
¡Estamos deseando verte el 12 de septiembre a las 9a en los humedales de Orlando! Inscríbete en el enlace de nuestra historia.
Ubicación: 25155 Wheeler Rd, Christmas, FL 32709

09/03/2026

Latinos throughout Central Florida are invited to celebrate Latino Conservation Week with Orange Audubon and partners! Participants will construct bird nest boxes and take a walk at the Apopka Birding Park, a restoration site located at the entrance to the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. Dress in closed toe shoes and long pants and bring your own water. There will be some cold water onsite. Bird box making is supported by a Latino Conservation Week grant from Hispanic Access Foundation. For questions, please contact the Orange Audubon Society at [email protected].

09/02/2026

History Alive: Famous Floridians

Saturday, September 5, 2026, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Meet the trailblazers who shaped our region in unforgettable ways – from the musicians who lit up Orlando’s South Street Casino to activists and community builders whose legacies continue today. Engage with the evolving story of freedom in our ongoing exhibition How Distant Seems Our Starting Place, join a guided museum tour, and enjoy hands-on activities that highlight the Black Floridians who helped elevate Central Florida’s culture and history.

Guided museum tours: 10:30 a.m., Noon, 1:45 p.m., 3:30 p.m.

Visit https://bit.ly/3UJ4QXn for more event details.

08/31/2026

TOMORROW NIGHT! Clues to Florida’s maritime history are scattered along the state’s coasts, bays, and rivers in the form of shipwrecks relating to waterborne exploration, commerce, and warfare. Dr. Ireton-Scott will speak on Florida’s Museums in the Sea, historic shipwrecks that have been interpreted for divers and snorkelers as a way to educate citizens and visitors about the real treasure of Florida’s shipwrecks – their history.

08/11/2026

Are you a college student interested in pursuing archaeology? Are you interested in learning more about the field before committing to a field school? Join us this fall for our 2026 ArchaeoBootCamp Skills Weekend program! Free and open to college students! Registration is now open: https://www.fpan.us/projects/bootcamp/

08/07/2026

Thanks to all who attended in person or online the Tidally United Summit: 10th anniversary edition! Here’s to the next 10 years of HMS Florida and collaborating with the heritage at risk networks!