Photo Exhibits
Photo exhibits spotlight various topics in Florida history, and are accompanied by brief text intended to place selected materials in historical context.
Florida Archaeology
Studying and Exploring 12,000 Years of Floridians
Public Resource
The majority of archaeologists are employed by government agencies, such as the Bureau of Archaeological Resources, the Department of Interior and the Florida Park Service. Consequently, public and political understanding of and commitment to archaeology are crucial to continued support for research and interpretive facilities and the maintenance and preservation of established and future sites for public access.
Image Number: C683180
Image Number: PR20386
Image Number: PT04891
Image Number: FPS1267
Image Number: PR24700
Image Number: FPS00137
In 1964, archaeologist Ripley Bullen discovered this limestone ceremonial stone (stele). While not all agree with his interpretation, Bullen believed this was purposely erected for ceremonial and celestial purposes. Located 75 yards east of the main burial complex, it dates to 440 A.D. A drawing of what Bullen believed was a human can be seen in this image.
Museums and parks are where people most often encounter the work of archaeologists, and these facilities are essential to making knowledge of a region's historic and pre-historic past tangible and meaningful for the public. Parks and museums also help illustrate to the public the importance of scientific study, as well as the preservation of unique and fragile resources. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, there are more than 1,500 preserved archaeological sites in Florida state parks alone.
Image Number: COM00318
Image Number: RC16747
Image Number: PR04408
Image Number: PR12561
Park rangers, museum professionals, and archaeologists from state and federal bureaus not only perform the important work of excavation and conservation, but they also interpret archaeological resources for site visitors and create educational materials, including everything from trail markers and outdoor signage to pamphlets, artifact displays, brochures and in-depth books.
Now the ever-growing number of educational materials created by archaeologists includes interactive Web sites that allow students to explore previously inaccessible areas of archaeological significance.
Image Number: RC17122
Image Number: PR20393