First Floridians First Americans Conference

July 4, 2012 - PRLog -- First Floridians: First Americans Conference
Monticello, Florida, October 4, 5, 6, 2012
Monticello Opera House

The First Floridians First Americans Conference will tell the story of the early people of Florida, including the Apalachee of Jefferson County. We will talk about the coming of the Spanish and local Mission sites. One presentation will explain how the diversity of plant life in the Aucilla Basin attracted and fostered settlement throughout the ages. We’ll hear how remnants of Florida’s tribes and Georgia Creeks formed the Seminoles.
   We’ll move back in time to learn how this land protected the evidence of our pre-history and how people lived in Jefferson County 14,000 years ago. Dr. Michael Waters of The Center for First Americans at Texas A&M will reveal new knowledge found in an Aucilla Basin archaeological dig this summer.  
Scholars will explain the pre-history of Jefferson County as revealed by the findings in Paleolithic sites more than 14000 years old. You will see unsurpassed collections of artifacts found in the Aucilla Basin and enjoy an “Artifact Road Show” where experts identify items in private collections.
Mary Glowacki, Florida’s State Archaeologist and Neil Wallis, of Florida Natural History Museum, Jim Dunbar, Lee Newsom, Harley Means, Glen Doran and others familiar with these interesting sites will make presentations with Q&A. Visitors will be able to join hikes to see nearby sinkholes and mounds.
The conference will end with a panel on protecting the great ecological and archaeological treasures of the Aucilla Basin. Later Saturday evening we’ll enjoy a real Monticello celebration with local food and music.

Contact: Anne H. Holt,—Phone: 850-576-0721  email ahholt@ahholt.com
Web site: www.firstfloridians.com    or   www.mainstreetmonticellofl.org