In celebration of the 2015 Florida Archaeology Month, “Innovators of the Archaic,” the Deering Estate at Cutler will host its annual Archaeology Day on Saturday, Mar. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Programs for the entire family include educational activities, expert lectures and walking tours of the estate’s unique natural areas. Bring a picnic lunch so that you can enjoy the full event offerings. Note that there will be no food vendors at this event. Admission is $7 (children 3 and under are free). The event is free for Deering Estate Foundation members.
Every March, statewide programs and events celebrating Florida Archaeology Month are designed to encourage Floridians and visitors to learn more about the archaeology and history of the state, and to preserve these important parts of Florida’s rich cultural heritage. In an era of rising sea levels, changing environments, and increasing populations, Florida’s Archaic People tested out and adapted to new technologies and new ways of life. It is only through the science of archaeology that we can learn about these Innovators of the Archaic and how they shaped 7,000 years of prehistoric culture in Florida. Florida Archaeology Month is coordinated by the Florida Anthropological Society, and supported by the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources. Additional sponsors for 2015 include the Florida Archaeological Council, Florida Public Archaeology Network, state and local museums, historical commissions, libraries, and public and private school systems.
Program schedule for the 2015 Archaeology Day at the Deering Estate at Cutler:
10:30 a.m. and noon: “How to Become An Archaeologist” with Dr. Meryl Shriver-Rice — Are you interested in archaeology? Do you want to be an archaeologist? Learn about the path to becoming an archaeologist through this expert-led talk. Also hear firsthand stories and experiences from expert archaeologists who have researched across the world. This is a 30-minute presentation.
12:30-2 p.m.: Natural Areas Tour: Archaeology at Deering Estate — Go on a walk with a Deering Estate naturalist and learn the lost stories of our rich Native American past. See up close one of our archaeological sites, the Cutler Burial Mound. Step into a solution hole and discover what life would’ve been like for Paleo- Indians 10,000 years ago.
10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Living Classroom — Discover how archaeologists investigate life in the past through fun, hands-on activities in the Living Classroom. Activities will include pottery making demonstrations, underwater archaeology through Biscayne National Park, and more.
11 a.m., 1, 2 and 3 p.m.: Demonstration Archaeological Excavation — Participants will learn about the people and cultures that existed in South Florida before modern development. They will work to uncover and handle real artifacts and eco-facts in our demonstration archaeological site. Participants will use their scientific and critical thinking skills to determine how these artifacts were made and what purposes they may have served.
The Deering Estate at Cutler, a Miami- Dade County Park, is located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. This 444-acre natural and archeological preserve and historic site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a center for education, culture and recreation. Historic house tours are offered daily at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Natural areas tours are offered daily at 12:30 p.m. (October-May). Deering Adventure Tours also are offered throughout the year for an additional fee.
For more information on the Deering Estate’s educational and cultural programs, visit www.deeringestate.org.
