About Us
Mission
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.
Our Society
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.
Member Benefits
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
Events
January 21st Lecture
February 18th Lecture
February 18th Lecture
Alan Brech
presenting
“The Ais Natives of the Treasure Coast”
Alan Brech is a professional archaeologist from Palm Bay, Florida. He received his Master’s degree from the University of Florida in 2004, with his Thesis title “Neither Ocean nor continent: Correlating the Archaeology and Geomorphology of the Barrier Islands of East Central Florida”.
Brech has worked in contract archaeology since 1988. His peer reviewed publications have over hauled the 250-year-old Anglo-American geography of Spanish Florida, and have been accepted as he new standard by current scholars.
Lecture Locations for 2022-2023 will be at the The Hobe Sound Public Library from 10:30-12:30.
Address - Hobe Sound Public Library 10595 SW Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
February 18th Lecture
February 18th Lecture
February 18th Lecture
Oscar Pereira
presenting
"The Birthplace of Miami, Spatial Archaeology Analysis in Sites Located at the Mouth of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay"
Pereira has more than 20 years of experence in the field of Archaeology. He has participated in many projects related to prehistoric and contact period archaeology in Cuba and the United States. His expertise is in archaic and agro-pottery cultures of the Caribbean area, such as the Tainos and Tequesta cultures of South Florida.
The Tequesta, one of the oldest cultures in South Florida, occupied the area surrounding the mouth of the Miami River at Biscayne Bay.
Pereira is currently working on a project in downtown Miami with the Archaeological and Historical Conservancy, he is employed by the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) and is pursuing a graduate degree in Anthropology at Florida Atlantic University.
Lecture Locations for 2022-2023 will be at the The Hobe Sound Public Library from 10:30-12:30.
Address - Hobe Sound Public Library 10595 SW Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
March 18th Lecture
February 18th Lecture
March 18th Lecture
Catherine (Katie) Smith
presenting
"Repatriation and Re-envisioning an 'Archaeology of Us', through which repatriation and decolonizing efforts are explained followed by sharing the vision of new, inclusive directions for Florida archaeology."
Catherine Smith, M.A., M.P.A., is the NAGPRA Coordinator for the Florida Museum at the University of Florida. In this position, she liaises with Tribal nations, foreign nations, and other institutions as part of ongoing repatriation efforts for ancestors and belongings currently held at the museum. Smith has been an NSF-funded Learning NAGPRA Fellow and also worked for the NAGPRA program at Indiana University Bloomington, where she is completing her PhD in Anthropology with a minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies. Smith has also previously responded to and managed inadvertent discoveries and other related cultural resource management mitigation of cemeteries in Florida. Smith has been involved with South Florida archaeology for the past 13 years.
Lecture Locations for 2022-2023 will be at the The Hobe Sound Public Library from 10:30-12:30.
Address - Hobe Sound Public Library 10595 SW Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
April 15th Lecture
April 15th Lecture
March 18th Lecture
Christian ( Chris) Davenport presenting
"An Overview of Palm Beach County Archaeology"
Davenport is Palm Beach County's Archaeologist. He is responsible for the management of 211 archaeological resources, 51 archaeological conservation zones, eight historically designated structures, and three eligible historic districts. Daily responsibilities include grant application reviews; historic resource reviews for ORO; public outreach; processing historic tax exemptions; liaison between the Historic Resource Review Board (HRRB) and the state; managing the county's CLG program (NHPA Sec 101); coordinate interdepartmental management of historic resources; maintain, update and interpret the county's database (map) of known historic resources; conduct building permit reviews for construction on archaeological sites; document historic structures and determine their significance prior to demolition manage the archaeological intern program,
with 14 interns and upwards of 30 volunteers.
Lecture Locations for 2022-2023 will be at the The Hobe Sound Public Library from 10:30-12:30.
Address - Hobe Sound Public Library 10595 SW Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
May TBA
April 15th Lecture
May TBA
