The Museum of Science and History in Jacksonville has a new exhibit featuring prehistoric archaeology in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. The exhibit,
Uncovering the Past: New Archaeological Discoveries in Northeast Florida, features guest curator Dr. Keith Ashley of the University of North Florida as well as artwork by St. Augustine artist Theodore Morris.
 |
| The entrance to the exhibit! Get excited for the great things coming! |
The exhibit takes a look at 6,000 years of native history in the area, from a pre-ceramic period to missionization. The displays feature artifacts, many from sites in the
Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve as well as paintings of Timucua peoples, reconstructions of their homes and more.
 |
| A collection of ceramics. |
The exhibit also explores how we study the past. All of the panels for each section focus on what the people left behind and how archaeologists learn from it. The exhibit also features posters about current research (including environmental!) happening at sites around town. An additional section features several of DeBry's etchings. Sliding panels show how the drawings may not depict the past as truly as we think they might at first sight.
 |
| Was DeBry correct about the Timucua hunting alligators? |
 |
| Almost but not entirely! |
My favorite section is the kids section, of course! The exhibit teaches
kids the importance of mapping and stratigraphy. Kids (and adults!) can
use the rulers and sheets provided to map a site and answer a few
questions.
 |
| Important archaeological tools: ruler, pencil and clipboard. |
|
 |
| Because who wouldn't want to?! |
The exhibit also has some great take-away resources including a book list and suggested sites to visit. Overall, the exhibit gives a great look at Jacksonville's buried past and how we study it. You have lots of time to get out to see - the exhibit runs through August!
To learn more about the exhibit or for hours and admission information, please visit the Museum of Science and History's
website.
Words and images by Emily Jane Murray, FPAN staff.
