PBC Parks and Rec. presents Florida Archaeology Month series

“Down and Dirty: The Archaeology of Palm Beach County” on March 19 at Okeeheelee Nature Center is part of Florida Archaeology Month by Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department.

Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department is exploring the region’s deep past during Florida Archaeology Month in March, when the department’s Cultural, Historical and Outdoor Recreation division presents a series of free lectures and educational programs throughout the county.

Part of a statewide initiative to highlight Florida’s rich archaeological heritage, the lecture series is designed to raise awareness about the state’s history and the importance of preserving archaeological sites. Through presentations led by local archaeologists, historians and preservation professionals, participants will gain new insights into the ancient cultures, historic events and archaeological discoveries that have shaped the region.

The series continues on March 7 at 2 p.m. at the Belle Glade Branch Library, 725 NW 4th St., Belle Glade, with a presentation titled “Lidar Over the Glades.” Digital and landscape archaeologist Bonita Lee will discuss how aerial imaging and Lidar technology are revealing massive earthworks in the Everglades built by Indigenous peoples as far back as 2,000 years ago.

On March 11 at 1 p.m., Dr. Nydia I. Pontón-Nigaglioni, Palm Beach County archaeologist, will present “Oral History in the Glades and Archaeological Considerations” at Green Cay Nature Center, 12800 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach, examining how oral histories help shape archaeological understanding of the region.

A look at Florida’s military history follows on March 12 at 10 a.m. at the Dr. André Fladell Civic Center (formerly the South County Civic Center), 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach, where historical re-enactor Dowling Watford will present “The Seminole Wars in Florida: Causes, Controversies and Consequences.”

History enthusiasts can also step directly into the past during DuBois Day on March 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the DuBois Pioneer Home at DuBois Park, 19075 DuBois Road, Jupiter. Visitors can tour the historic pioneer home and stop by the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) booth to participate in community conversations about heritage sites at risk.

Families and younger learners are invited to “Building Megaliths: Archaeology for Kids” on March 18 at 10:30 a.m. at Daggerwing Nature Center, 11435 Park Access Road, Boca Raton. Led by Bonita Lee, the hands-on program allows children to experiment with stacking and balancing stones in an archaeology sandbox to recreate ancient structures such as Stonehenge, dolmens and long barrows.

The series continues with “Down and Dirty: The Archaeology of Palm Beach County” on March 19 at 1:30 p.m. at Okeeheelee Nature Center, 7715 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach, presented by Chris Davenport, the county’s historic preservation officer.

On March 27 at 1:30 p.m., also at Okeeheelee Nature Center, Micaela Candia will present “The Curation Crisis,” exploring the challenges museums and archaeological institutions face in preserving and managing growing collections of artifacts.

The lecture series concludes on March 31 at 1 p.m. at the West Jupiter Recreation Center, 6401 Indiantown Road, Jupiter, with “Boynton Mounds,” presented by Giancarlo Mazzetti, which examines the history and significance of the Native American archaeological site.

All programs in the Florida Archaeology Month lecture series are free and open to the public, and registration is not required.