In celebration of Florida Heritage Month, the Deering Estate will host the 2010 “Archaeology Day” on Saturday, March 20th with expert lectures and walking tours of the historic Tekesta Trail to the Cutler Burial Mound! Activities and programs will be held from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The event is free with regular admission – $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 4-14). A special thanks to Florida Public Archaeology Network, Archaeology Society of Southern Florida, and Miami-Dade County’s Office of Historic and Archaeological Resources.
Florida Heritage Month is a celebration of Florida’s Spirit. From March 15 through April 15, the Department of State wishes to encourage a better understanding of and appreciation for Florida’s history and culture among the people of our state. The offices of Governor Charlie Crist and Secretary of State Kurt S. Browning planned a month-long tribute to heighten awareness of our state’s rich cultural heritage, celebrating its historical sites, museums, libraries, and the visual and performing arts, which flourish in the state of Florida.
Schedule of events for Archaeology Day on Saturday, March 20th:
- · 10:30 am: First archaeology tour to the Cutler Burial Mound.
Take a walking tour of the Tekesta Trail and visit the Cutler Burial Mound. Examine Tekesta Indian artifacts – rare reminders of a long vanished culture and a connection to our ancient past. - · 12 Noon: 1st lecture
Topic: “Hurricane Andrew Reconstruction: Disaster Archaeology at the Deering Estate”
Featured speaker – Richard Haiduven (45 minutes with time for Q&A after)
Educated at University of North Carolina, Greensboro (BA Anthropology), Mr. Haiduven received an MA in Maritime History and Archaeological Research from East Carolina University, Greenville. He has been an archaeologist in Florida for 23 years, working on prehistoric, historic, and maritime archaeological sites throughout the state, but mostly in Miami. A contract archaeologist since 1994, he is currently monitoring the alterations at the Miami Circle for the Florida Department of State Bureau of Archaeological Research. - 1:00 pm: 2nd lecture
Topic: “Looking Back, Looking Forward: Archaeological Resources in Miami Dade County”
Featured speaker – Jeff Ransom (45 minutes with time for Q&A after)
Jeff Ransom has more than 16 years experience in archaeology. He began his career as a cave archaeologist studying the ritual use of caves by the ancient Maya. After moving to South Florida he worked on the excavations of the Miami Circle. His cave research has expanded to the Caribbean, currently focusing on prehistoric cave use in the Bahamas. He has served as the Miami-Dade County Archaeologist since 2006 and is responsible for the inventory, evaluation, protection, and management of the County’s prehistoric and historic resources. - 2:00 pm: 3rd lecture
Topic: “Using Prehistoric Tools and Prehistoric Techniques to Manufacture Replicas of Prehistoric Artifacts”
Featured speaker – Jim Clupper (45 minutes with time for Q&A after)
Jim Clupper has been making replicas of prehistoric artifacts for a number of years, since becoming interested in South Florida Archaeology while working as a Librarian for the Monroe County Public Library System. He has been employed on a part time basis by the Archaeological and Historical Conservancy for the past ten years. Now retired from the library, all his replicas are made using replica tools and techniques along with raw materials that would have been available to South Florida’s Native Americans. Materials used include wood, shell, stone, bone, ceramics, leather/rawhide, shark and other fish teeth, sinew and plant fibers. No modern tools are used in the work. Mr. Clupper spent his childhood and young adulthood in Miami, and now resides on Upper Matecumbe Key. - 3:30 pm: Second archaeology tour to the Cutler Burial Mound.
Take a walking tour of the Tekesta Trail and visit the Cutler Burial Mound. Examine Tekesta Indian artifacts – rare reminders of a long vanished culture and a connection to our ancient past.
About the Deering Estate at Cutler
The Deering Estate at Cutler, a Miami-Dade County Park, is located at 16701 SW 72 Avenue in Miami. 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 with admission to the Estate. EcoAdventure Tours are also offered throughout the year for an additional fee. For more information on the Deering Estate’s educational and cultural programs, please visit www.deeringestate.org.