Public Day at Fort Center

Who: Florida Public Archaeology Network, Southwest Florida Archaeological Society, The Clewiston Museum and Dr. Victor Thompson of Ohio State University

What: Archaeological Excavations at Fort Center Open to the Public

Where: Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Access, SR-78 North of Moore Haven, FL

When: Friday, July 16, 10:00am-3:00pm

Dr. Victor Thompson of Ohio State University, who is conducting an undergraduate field school at Fort Center, will lead tours for the public along with project team members. Thompson’s excavations mark the first time in decades that this important Belle Glade site has been subject to excavation. All ages are welcome. We'll have atlatl throwing for kids (adults can give it a shot, too), free FPAN gear, and a table full of information on Florida archaeology.

Also, don't pass up this opportunity to stop by the Clewiston Museum in Downtown Clewiston. The museum is located off SR-80 in downtown Clewiston.

The Fort Center site is managed by Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Commission and is located off of SR-78 North of Moore Haven at the Fisheating Creek parking access. The site is located in a wooded, rural area so wear proper attire (long pants, sturdy shoes). Bring water, sun block, bug spray, and rain protection to ensure a pleasant tour. Restroom facilities, a parking area, and picnic shelters are available near the entrance to the site. If you have any questions, call or e-mail Matt Schuld 239.765.0202 ext 153 matt[at]fortmyersbeachfl.gov or Steve Archer 239.765.0202 ext 152 sarcher[at]fortmyersbeachfl.gov.

June: A new home and two workshops

Hosting two workshops while adjusting to our new offices at the recently restored Historic Seven Seas House at Newton Beach Park made June a busy month for the Southwest Regional Center. If visitors to our new office grow board, at least they’ll daydream while taking in a view of the Gulf. Formerly the home of James and Eleanor Newton, the Seven Seas House was obtained by the Town of Fort Myers Beach in 2003. Grants from the Florida Communities Trust program and Lee County assisted in financing the conversion of the home to a center for education, a public park, and the new home of the Florida Public Archaeology Network's Southwest Regional Center!

On June 17, Kevin Porter of Florida Division of Historical Resources visited from Tallahassee to offer Historic and Archaeological Resource Training (HART). Planners, land managers, and cultural resource stakeholders from the counties of Charlotte, Collier, and Lee were on hand for a crash course in the laws and ethics that apply to Florida’s archaeological and historic resources. One of FPAN’s core goals is to support local governments in their efforts to preserve and protect regional archaeological resources.

One week later we conducted our first Project Archaeology: Investigating Shelter teacher training workshop. We had a great group of teachers and heritage educators who attended. Who knew you could learn so much about archaeology from wall walkers, slinkies, finger traps, and an imaginary living room? On the second day teachers got serious, using real archaeological data to investigate the site of a Poplar Forest Slave Cabin. A sneak peak at the new Shell Mound Exhibit at Mound House hopefully reduced the potential for workshop restlessness. If you’re upset because you missed the workshop, don’t fear; we’ll be hosting another one soon!