| Education |
| Reflections of Manatee |
| Educationon ● Protection ● Preservation ● Conservation ● History |
| Education |
| Trudy and Jeff Williams demonstrating the use of a pioneer camp kitchen Heritage Days, 2007. |
Reflections volunteers demonstrating sugarcane grinding and pioneer cooking at the
“Old Florida Festival” in Naples, 2007. Many time periods are represented here
including the Early Indians, Spanish Conquistadors, Seminoles, and European settlers.
“Old Florida Festival” in Naples, 2007. Many time periods are represented here
including the Early Indians, Spanish Conquistadors, Seminoles, and European settlers.
Past Public Programs
April 14, 2007
Reflections of Manatee hosted a Florida Humanities Council program: "Traces of Our
Past at Manatee Mineral Spring.”
New College of Florida, Reflections of Manatee, the Florida Public Archaeology Network,
and Traces of Our Past presented a full day of educational programs aimed at raising
the visibility of the community’s historic and archaeological resources.
Noted Florida historian Dr. Joe Knetsch gave an entertaining and fascinating look at the
political forces and national trends that brought waves of diverse settlers to the Manatee
River.
Dr. Barbara Little – One of the nation’s most eminent historical archaeologists – talked
about why the past matters, and how the archaeological record can give a voice to the
people who are not written about in history books.
Dr. Uzi Baram - New College of Florida – led a very lively discussion on "To dig, or not to
dig?" or the ethics of archaeology. It is a crucial question as many sites are lost to
development, public funding for both research and preservation is scarce, and new
research questions change the definition of what sites are significant.
Keeping Watching For the New Programs Planned under "Events"
April 14, 2007
Reflections of Manatee hosted a Florida Humanities Council program: "Traces of Our
Past at Manatee Mineral Spring.”
New College of Florida, Reflections of Manatee, the Florida Public Archaeology Network,
and Traces of Our Past presented a full day of educational programs aimed at raising
the visibility of the community’s historic and archaeological resources.
Noted Florida historian Dr. Joe Knetsch gave an entertaining and fascinating look at the
political forces and national trends that brought waves of diverse settlers to the Manatee
River.
Dr. Barbara Little – One of the nation’s most eminent historical archaeologists – talked
about why the past matters, and how the archaeological record can give a voice to the
people who are not written about in history books.
Dr. Uzi Baram - New College of Florida – led a very lively discussion on "To dig, or not to
dig?" or the ethics of archaeology. It is a crucial question as many sites are lost to
development, public funding for both research and preservation is scarce, and new
research questions change the definition of what sites are significant.
Keeping Watching For the New Programs Planned under "Events"
“Looking for Angola”. The Looking for Angola (LFA) project includes underground and
underwater archaeology, historical research and public outreach. LFA is seeking to
locate evidence of the settlement of escaped slaves that formed a large community on
the Manatee River from at least 1812 to 1821. The educational phase of Looking For
Angola is called "Angola Classroom Connections."
Students on the LFA field trips learn what happens during the archaeological process
before a shovel turns dirt. They are introduced to the difficulties of interpreting historical
maps, practice measuring and mapping techniques, and interpret stratigraphy and the
importance of archaeological context. Sherry Svekis and Felicia Silpa designed the field
trips. They emphasize the importance of experiential learning. Students are encouraged
to think about what artifacts can tell us about the past, and to try to imagine what type of
artifacts we might find if Angola were located. Svekis says: "Walking the grounds near
Manatee Mineral Spring helps students visualize past landscapes, and simulating how
archaeologists locate, measure, and record sites gives students a tangible connection to
the ongoing search for and history of Angola."
Field Trip Objectives:
underwater archaeology, historical research and public outreach. LFA is seeking to
locate evidence of the settlement of escaped slaves that formed a large community on
the Manatee River from at least 1812 to 1821. The educational phase of Looking For
Angola is called "Angola Classroom Connections."
Students on the LFA field trips learn what happens during the archaeological process
before a shovel turns dirt. They are introduced to the difficulties of interpreting historical
maps, practice measuring and mapping techniques, and interpret stratigraphy and the
importance of archaeological context. Sherry Svekis and Felicia Silpa designed the field
trips. They emphasize the importance of experiential learning. Students are encouraged
to think about what artifacts can tell us about the past, and to try to imagine what type of
artifacts we might find if Angola were located. Svekis says: "Walking the grounds near
Manatee Mineral Spring helps students visualize past landscapes, and simulating how
archaeologists locate, measure, and record sites gives students a tangible connection to
the ongoing search for and history of Angola."
Field Trip Objectives:
- Students will learn measuring techniques by simulating how archaeologists
locate, measure and record artifacts using two points of reference on a dig.
- Students will interpret stratigraphy and discuss the importance of context for
learning about people in the past.
- Students will understand that detailed observation and accurate recording are
part of the excavation process.
- Students will explore the importance of material culture and practice different
systems of classification.
- Students will discuss preservation and protection of archaeological resources.
- Students will discuss the changing names of geographic features, and what that
information means to archaeologists and historians.
| Learning on Site: Engaging Youth in Archaeology 5 years running |
| Educational Programs |
| Educational Demonstrations |
| Looking for Something To DO? Join Our Archaeological Research Teem |
Public Archaeology Projects
Opportunities for volunteering come in many forms at Reflections, as does educational
opportunities. As volunteers learn to sift through time they discover information about
the past inhabitants on our site, how they lived, where they worked, what they used, and
who they were.
Opportunities for volunteering come in many forms at Reflections, as does educational
opportunities. As volunteers learn to sift through time they discover information about
the past inhabitants on our site, how they lived, where they worked, what they used, and
who they were.
| left to right - Andrea White, State of Florida, Florida Public Archaeology Network, New College; Sherry Svekis, alumni of New College; Felicia Silpa, USF graduate student |
| Dr. Baram instructing 9 year old Jonathan Harlander in archaeology techniques. |
| WANTED: Full-time dirt digger, history seeker, and artifact looker. Must be willing to play dirty and work with a team. Position split between work outside and inside, in shade and sun and sometimes during rain. Ideal candidate likes to read, play logic games, talk with others. |
| Archaeologists in training: Jacob Harlander, Jacob Baram, Jade, Jonathan and Missy Harlander |
Andrea White
State of
Florida,
Division of
Historical
Resources
leads a
pre-dig lecture
State of
Florida,
Division of
Historical
Resources
leads a
pre-dig lecture
Andrea White demonstrating
recording documentation
recording documentation
Elissa Mirabelli, UF Manatee
County Extension Service;
and Jeff Williams,
Reflections of Manatee
County Extension Service;
and Jeff Williams,
Reflections of Manatee
| Dr. Joe Knetsch |
| Dr. Barbara Little |
| Dr. Uzi Baram |
| From left: Robin Moreland, Alisha & Olivia Giesman, Pam Trojan, Trudy Williams and Mrs. Cole at our "Party for the Pioneers." |
| Robin Moreland and Jeff Williams demonstrating sugar cane grinding at Gamble Plantation. |
| Jeff Williams demonstrating pioneer camp life. |
Throughout the year, our volunteers participate in many hands on educational
exhibits and demonstrations. Participation by the public is welcomed and encouraged.
exhibits and demonstrations. Participation by the public is welcomed and encouraged.
| Myakka Soldiers portraying Virginia - Pennsylvania Cavalry |
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