The Southeast Florida Archaeological Society “SEFAS” is dedicated to: the greater understanding of archaeology, the protection and preservation of Florida’s archaeological resources and the information they contain, and the encouragement and support of archaeological research, publication and education. One very important part of the SEFAS mission to raise public awareness of archaeological resources and to disseminate information to the public on archaeology and anthropology through lectures, special events and other related activities.
SEFAS works with professional and amateur archaeologists and participates in the rescue of cultural materials from sites being disturbed or destroyed, assisting in the identification, documentation and preservation of archaeological sites in Southeast Florida.
The Southeast Florida Archaeological Society was organized in 1996 by Sarah "Sally" McKeige, incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization in 1998 and is a chapter of the Florida Anthropological Society which was founded in 1947.
SEFAS is funded by membership dues and tax deductible contributions from those interested in the protection and preservation of Florida’s archaeological resources. Strategic plans include fund raising events and seeking grants for projects.
Some of the benefits of SEFAS membership are:
• Monthly meetings October through April, offering activities or lectures
• Monthly newsletters, published October through April
• Periodic trips to historical or archaeological sites
• Participation in site surveys, mapping, excavation, artifact analysis and preservation
• Participation in educational opportunities for members and the public
The 2023 SFHS Ais and Calusa Catamaran Project is in the beginning stages of its design and intention. With the assistance of multiple archaeologists and volunteers, we have finally entered the physical stages of the project which will take place at South Fork High School. We aim at doing exactly what the project name suggests, which is recreating a catamaran-like craft used by the Ais and Calusa; to do so just as they would have done. It is through this actualistic archaeology project that we will confirm multiple old theories in aboriginal canoe making and will be testing new theories proposed by myself and others. Additionally after the first dugout canoe has been made; this project will be 100% open to students at South Fork as well as to general members of the public who will be able to participate hands-on in this project. A project such as this has never been attempted, let alone at a high school and we are eager to share this with the public!
Meetings will be held the third Saturday of the month at the Hobe Sound Public Library
10:30-12:30
This talk will explore the geological and cultural history of the Everglades. In particular, we will look at the role of early Native Americans and initial tree island formations.
Sara Ayers-Rigsby specializes in cultural resources management and historic preservation. As the Director for the Florida Public Archaeology Network’s Southeast/Southwest Regions, Ayers-Rigsby is responsible for designing educational outreach and programming for Florida’s southernmost 9 counties which comprise half of the state’s population. Prior to beginning her role as Southeast/Southwest Regional Director for the Florida Public Archaeology Network, she spent 10 years working as an archaeologist throughout the United States, with a regional focus on the archaeology of the southeast and Mid Atlantic. She earned her M.A. in Archaeology for Screen Media from the University of Bristol, UK, and her B.A. in Classical Archaeology from Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. She is certified as a member of the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA). Her research interests include public outreach and archaeology, resiliency, archaeological compliance legislation, and industrial archaeology in Florida. She loves visiting state parks, historical sites, and house museums in south Florida and is always thrilled to talk to others about them.
Meetings will be held the third Saturday of the month at the Hobe Sound Public Library
10:30-12:30
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