Archaeological Kayak Tour
2024-03-16 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Part of the Florida Archaeology Month 2024 collection

Join archaeologists and environmental specialists for an archaeology-focused paddling experience.

This trip will paddle from Weedon Island’s mainland to Ross Island where participants will then be led around an archaeological site with Dr. Kendal Jackson, a post-doctoral fellow with the University of South Florida, and member of the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education, who worked on Ross Island as part of his doctorate research. The Florida Public Archaeology Network and ECOmersion will co-lead this trip. During the paddle to Ross Island, stops will be made to interpret the significance of archaeological, historical, and coastal natural areas that will enhance participants’ understanding of the Tampa Bay estuary.
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
This guided tour is not for beginner paddlers; experience and endurance is required. This tour is for ages 18+. Kayaks will be provided. Attendees may choose to bring their own kayaks however inflatables, SUPs, and Pelican or Sundolphin brand boats will not be accepted.
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Did you know that March is Florida Archaeology Month? Join us on Saturday, March 23 at 2 p.m. for the free program Origins of Tampa Bay. Learn about Tampa Bay’s origins from the recent studies of an archaeological panel in the fields of paleoenvironment, Indigenous ecology, and history. Register here!

Ethnobotany and Archaeology Open House
2024-03-23 10:00 - 13:30
Part of the Florida Archaeology Month 2024 collection

See ancient artifacts and learn about the prehistoric and modern uses of native plants!

See ancient artifacts and learn about the prehistoric and modern uses of native plants as a part of the Weedon Island Preserve’s celebration of Florida Archaeology Month! All ages welcome.

Learn how indigenous Floridians used native plants as an everyday resource in the “Florida Native Plants Through Time” exhibit and demonstration. Exhibit designer and plant expert, Ben Metcantade, will be on-hand to answer questions and demonstrate how the plants were used. See a hands-on demonstration on fiber-thread making from the native yucca plant. In addition, find out which native plants were popular in the 19th century though the present time. The exhibit also features native plants, books and resources on sustainable design and the importance of pollinators.
Meet Weedon Island’s archaeologists and see their displays of artifacts, tools and other items.
Bring your own fossils and artifacts to be identified and their uses determined by on-site archaeology experts.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
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Stay until 2:00 p.m. for the free lecture The Origins of Tampa Bay. Learn about Tampa Bay’s origins from the recent studies of an archaeological panel in the fields of paleoenvironment, Indigenous ecology, and history. Register here!

Volunteer Archaeology Lab
2024-04-05 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-05-03 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-06-21 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-07-05 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-08-09 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-13 13:00 - 15:00
Learn how to sort, identify, and clean artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites!

Learn how artifacts and other archaeological material get processed for study in this volunteer lab that is led by professional archaeologists with the West Central chapter of the Florida Public Archaeology Network. Participants will help sort through, clean, and identify artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites so they can be used by researchers to learn about the past.
This event is best suited for adults; children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Seating is limited so registration is required!
If you have a homeschool group that would like to participate, please email westcentral@fpan.us to set up a separate lab time to accomodate your students.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Archaeology Lecture: Discoveries from the Garrison
2024-04-11 19:00 - 20:00
The Garrison Neighborhood, established in 1896, was the first Black-owned neighborhood in Tampa.

Archaeology lecture hosted by the Central Gulf Coast Archaeological Society (CGCAS) and the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education (AWIARE).
The Garrison Neighborhood, established in 1896, was the first Black-owned neighborhood in Tampa. Until the 1940s the neighborhood flourished with Black-owned businesses, schools, and churches. Despite this, few mentions of the neighborhood exist in archaeological reports of the area. Downtown Tampa’s archaeological requirements prioritizes the National Register eligible Fort Brooke site, leaving this unique Black neighborhood underutilized in the study of Tampa’s diverse early pioneers. Since 2016 Stantec has been excavating portions of the Garrison, including the Caesar Street School, an African Methodist Episcopal Church, storefronts, and numerous residences. Through the artifact assemblages of these sites a greater understanding can be gleaned of life in this important Tampa neighborhood.
This lecture will feature Kelsey Kreiser, an archaeologist at a local Stantec office in Tampa. She has been working in cultural resource management since 2018, conducting fieldwork across much of Florida and the greater southeastern United States.
Learn more about CGCAS & AWIARE’s archaeology lecture series.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Inter-Tidally United Summit — Watch Party!
2024-08-16 09:00 - 13:00
Join us for our local in-person watch party of the Inter-Tidally United Summit hosted by the Florida Public Archaeology Network!

We’ll stream the Zoom presentations in the auditorium and have on-site activities for those joining us in person!
FPAN hosts a biennial summit called Tidally United, designed to be an informational think-tank dedicated to raising awareness and exploring future-ready solutions to protect historical sites and other significant cultural resources from climate-related threats. Inter-Tidally is designed to help participants stay connected between in-person summits and grow our community. This event will be held virtually with in-person watch parties around the state to help connect local communities to the topic and work!
Individuals must register for the virtual conference if they plan to attend our in-person watch party. Registration for the state-wide conference is $25 per person. An attendees’ conference registration will be confirmed before entry into our local watch-party.
REGISTER FOR THE STATE-WIDE CONFERENCE HERE.
>>> REGISTER HERE FOR FREE WATCH PARTY <<<

Volunteer Archaeology Lab
2025-01-10 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-03-14 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-04-11 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-05-08 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-06 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-11 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-10 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-14 13:00 - 15:00 and 2 more dates
Learn how to sort, identify, and clean artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites!

Ages 12+

Join us in the Lab for a hands-on experience in archaeological discovery! Led by professional archaeologists from the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), this volunteer lab gives you the chance to sort, clean, and identify real artifacts uncovered at the Weedon Island Preserve. You’ll learn how archaeologists process materials for study and contribute to ongoing research about the people who once lived in this coastal region. No experience is necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to get your hands dirty!
Who Can Participate:
This lab is open to adults and youth ages 12 and up. Youth must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire session.
Space is limited — registration is required.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of real archaeological work!

Friday, December 12 at 1:00 p.m. — Register today
Friday, January 9 at 1:00 p.m. — Register today

Request A Youth Lab:
If you’re part of a homeschool group and would like to schedule a youth-focused lab, please email westcentral@fpan.us to request a separate Lab session.

Kayak Tour: Archaeology of Ross Island
2025-03-08 08:30 - 12:30
Join archaeologists for a unique and engaging paddling experience in the waters of the Weedon Island Preserve!
Ages 18+

This trip will paddle from Weedon Island’s mainland to Ross Island where participants will tour one of Tampa Bay’s best preserved archaeological sites. During the paddle, the group will make short stops to learn about the history of Weedon Island’s exceptional estuary habitats. The trip will be led by professional archaeologists from the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education (AWIARE) and the Central Florida Gulf Coast Archaeological Society (CGCAS).
This guided tour is not for beginner paddlers; experience and endurance are required. Individuals must be at least 18 years old to participate and must sign a liability waiver prior to getting on the water. Kayaks will be provided by ECOmersion.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Ethnobotany and Archaeology Open House
2025-03-22 10:00 - 13:00
See ancient artifacts and learn how people have used native plants for everything from food and medicine to making ropes and even paint!

Join us for a celebration of Florida Archaeology Month!
Learn how indigenous Floridians used native plants as an everyday resource in the “Florida Native Plants Through Time” exhibit and demonstration. Exhibit designer and plant expert, Ben Metcantade, will be on-hand to answer questions and demonstrate how the plants were used. Observe a hands-on demonstration on fiber-thread making from the native yucca plant. In addition, find out which native plants were popular in the 19th century through present day. The exhibit also features native plants, books, and resources on sustainable design and the importance of pollinators.
Also meet Weedon Island’s archaeologists and see their displays of artifacts, tools, and other items. Bring your own fossils and artifacts to be identified and their uses determined by on-site archaeology experts. Partner organizations will be on-site with their own displays and information, such as the Alliance for Weedon Archaeological Research and Education (AWIARE), the west central region of the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), the Central Gulf Coast Archaeological Society (CGCAS), and more.

This event is free and open to all ages! Join us anytime between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to enjoy the displays, talk to an archaeologist, and learn more about the indigenous history of Tampa Bay!

Exhibit Treasures: A Scavenger Quest
2025-10-11 10:00 - 11:00
Explore the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural & Natural History Center’s exhibit gallery with a family-friendly scavenger quest!
This fun and educational indoor scavenger hunt will encourage visitors of all ages to explore the exhibits, artifacts, and displays while learning about the Preserve’s rich cultural and ecological heritage.
Recommended for ages 6+, youth must be accompanied by an adult.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

International Archaeology Day Celebration!
2025-10-18 10:00 - 14:00
Join us for International Archaeology Day! International Archaeology Day is a celebration of archaeology and its contributions to society.

Pop-Up Exhibits from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Archaeology Talk from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

⚱️Explore a one-day exhibit of pre-Columbian artifacts from the Tampa Bay region and beyond! Archaeologists will illustrate the use of early stone and shell tools and their importance to indigenous people. Bring in found or inherited items such as spear points, tools, and pottery sherds for expert identification.
🌿Discover how indigenous Floridians used native plants in the pop-up “Florida Native Plants Through Time” exhibit. Exhibit designer and plant expert, Ben Metcantade, will also demonstrate how to make fiber-thread from our native yucca plant! Enjoy native plants, books, and resources on sustainable design and the importance of pollinators.
🎤Learn about the fascinating relationship between botany and archaeology in a special presentation from Dr. Christopher A. Kiahtipes, Associate Curator of the University of South Florida Herbarium. Using herbaria as a lens, Dr. Kiahtipes will discuss the intellectual, ethical, and curatorial challenges both disciplines face—especially in the context of our digital culture. Dr. Kiatipes talk is More than Collections: Making the Case for Physical Collections in a Digital World.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
The following organizations will be on-site with information on their archaeology programs and how to get involved:

Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education
Central Florida Gulf Coast Archaeological Society
Florida Public Archaeology Network
University of South Florida
