Projects
First Conference on Public Archaeology
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED; SEE BELOW FOR HOW TO JOIN REMOTELY!
The First Conference on Public Archaeology is taking place on September 22-23, 2023, in Pensacola, Florida!
This meeting will be hosted by the Florida Public Archaeology Network and is intended to provide a dedicated space for public-minded archaeologists and cultural heritage practitioners to share their experiences and expertise. Over two days, we plan to host a series of workshops, panels, round-tables, and special events geared toward addressing some of the most pressing issues in the discipline, including:
- Diversifying professional and avocational representation
- Public archaeology and the Section 106 process
- Community science and heritage site stewardship
- Climate impacts to tangible and intangible heritage resources
- Harnessing digital advances for outreach and education
- Working in schools and engaging with educators
While the First Conference on Public Archaeology will forego the traditional paper format, our hope is that discussion, hands-on participation, and professional networking will foster advances and new directions in the discipline.
Support for the conference has been generously provided by:
Keynote Speaker and Speech Transcript
It is our great pleasure to announce that Dr. Barbara J. Little will be the First Conference on Public Archaeology’s keynote speaker, presenting “Public Archaeology: Where are We Going?” Dr. Little will be speaking at the Museum of Commerce (201 Zaragoza Street, Pensacola) on Friday, September 22, at 9:00am.
Dr. Little is an Adjunct Professor of Anthropology at the University of Maryland, College Park. She works in public archaeology on issues of public outreach and involvement and on the public relevance of archaeology and heritage. Her edited book, Public Benefits of Archaeology, published by the University Press of Florida in 2002, is a touchstone volume for the practice of public archaeology. Her recent books explore intersections among civic engagement, social justice, and archaeology. She co-authored Archaeology, Heritage and Civic Engagement: Working toward the Public Good with Dr. Paul A. Shackel. Her most recent book, out this year with the University of Alabama Press, is Bending Archaeology toward Social Justice: Transformational Action for Positive Peace. The book examines the strengths of community-based archaeology and promotes the power of inquiry and imagination to destabilize violence and build peace.
Final Program
The Conference final program is now available to view! In the program, you will find:
- Welcome message
- ADA statement/UWF Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation
- Sponsor information
- Map of downtown Pensacola locations of note, including conference event locations, lots with free parking, restaurants/cafes/drinks, hotels
- Conference “events at-a-glance”
- Program schedule overview (clickable)
- Full program schedule with abstracts
Registration/Live Streaming
Although registration for the conference is now closed, several sessions are being live streamed so that others can tune in from anywhere (without registering)! Here is a comprehensive list of sessions that are being live streamed (see final program for more detailed information):
Friday, September 22, 10:15am-12:15pm
- Panel Session 1 – “Building an Alliance of Site Stewardship: Expanding the definition of Us and lessening the definition of Them” Chair: Sarah Miller (Florida Public Archaeology Network); Register to watch via Zoom
- Panel Session 8 – “Photogrammetry for Public Outreach” Chair: Ellie Minette (Florida Public Archaeology Network); Register to watch via Zoom
Saturday, September 23, 10:15am-12:15pm
- Panel Session 12 – “Promoting Diversity in the Discipline: Structural Challenges Facing Public Archaeologists in Universities and Strategies for Overcoming Them” Chairs: Bonnie Pitblado (University of Oklahoma); Register to watch via Zoom
- Panel Session 11 – “Sharing Approaches to Digital Public Archaeology: Towards a Code of Ethics for Digital Repositories and Informal Online Education” Chairs: Natalie A. De La Torre Salas (Florida Public Archaeology Network); Malachi Fenn (Florida Public Archaeology Network) Watch via Zoom; Meeting ID 722 4680 1253; Passcode XytU92 “
- Future of the Conference on Public Archaeology – Join the Conference Committee and other attendees to discuss the viability of and ideas for future Conference on Public Archaeology meetings; Register to join via Zoom
Additional Conference Events
Archaeology on Tap with Dr. Jennifer McKinnon (East Carolina University)
“Joint Recovery Team: Working with archaeologically-trained veterans to repatriate lost service members from WWII in the Pacific”
September 21, 2023 @ 6:00pm
Odd Colony Brewery, 260 N Palafox St, Pensacola, FL 32502
“Public Archaeology: Where Are We Going?” Conference Keynote by Dr. Barbara J. Little
September 22, 2023 @ 9:00am
Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St, Pensacola, FL 32502
Opening Reception
September 22, 2023 @ 6:00pm-8:00pm
Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St, Pensacola, FL 32502
Conference on Public Archaeology Future Planning Session (open to all)
September 23, 2023 @ 5:30pm
Florida Public Archaeology Network Classroom, 207 E Main St, Pensacola, FL 32502
Venue Information
The first Conference on Public Archaeology will be held in historic Pensacola, Florida, on the University of West Florida’s Downtown Campus. Meeting spaces include the classrooms in UWF Historic Trust’s Bowden Building (120 Church St., Pensacola, FL 32502), the Florida Public Archaeology Network’s Coordinating Center classroom (207 E Main St., Pensacola, FL 32502), and UWF Historic Trust’s Museum of Commerce (201 Zaragoza St., Pensacola, FL). All meeting spaces are within walking distance of each other, as well as within walking distance of several hotels, restaurants, and local shops.
No conference hotel has been designated for this meeting, so participants are encouraged to book lodging of their choice in and around Palafox Street. While this allows participants to have many options based on budget and desired amenities, it does require that participants book early! There is ample parking downtown, either at very little cost or free. If possible, however, we encourage you to find lodging within walking distance of Palafox Street to take full advantage of this beautiful, historic city.
Hotels near the downtown Pensacola area include:
Pensacola Victorian Bed and Breakfast
Holiday Inn Express Pensacola Downtown
Courtyard by Marriott Pensacola Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn Pensacola Downtown
Getting to Pensacola, Florida
Airport
Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is located approximately 15 minutes from the conference meeting spaces. Most major U.S. airlines fly to and from the Pensacola International Airport; direct flights are typically limited to larger cities and aviation hubs.
Ground Transportation
If flying to Pensacola, the Pensacola International Airport has several car rental agencies, including Enterprise, Budget, Avis. Taxis and ride shares are also available; a typical ride from the airport to downtown Pensacola is between $15-$20.
Transportation during the Conference
All conference meeting spaces are within short walking distance of one another (<0.3 miles). For those driving to the conference location each day, several large parking lots with little or no cost are located nearby. The conference map will have additional information on locations and parking.
Accessibility
The Florida Public Archaeology Network, a program of the University of West Florida, is committed to providing a welcoming, accessible, and supportive environment for people with disabilities. All meetings, activities, and events during the conference will be accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations is requested to advise UWF by contacting the ADA Program Office 850.474.2694, 711 (TTY), visit uwf.edu/ADAForEvents or email ada@uwf.edu at least two (2) business days prior to the event.