Maritime Archaeology Day on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at Anastasia State Park will blend entertainment and education in an event that's sure to delight park visitors of all ages. There will be fun information booths presented by local organizations focused on maritime archeology. The park will offer guided hikes and kayak tours. Seafood dishes will be available from the Island Grill and musical entertainment will fill the ocean air.
Archaeology is the study of human history and prehistory. Archaeologists excavate sites and analyze artifacts and other physical remains they discover at the site. Maritime archaeology focuses on human history and prehistoric human relationships with the sea and inland waterways. For thousands of years people have depended upon ships and boats to transport goods, travel from one land to another, harvest seafood, engage in combat and explore new places. This activity left a trail of artifacts behind.
Maritime archeology seeks out remains of shipwrecks, sunken boats, crumbling piers and wharves, collapsed lighthouses and other buildings to search for clue to past human activities. The waters around St. Augustine are significant because it is the oldest port city in the United States. Hundreds of Spanish, French, English, American and Confederate ships have sunk in this area providing archaeologists with plenty of remnants of the past.
Anastasia State Park organized this event to spotlight the connection between maritime history and the park. The Florida Public Archaeology Network, LAMP of the St. Augustine Lighthouse, The Pirate and Treasure Museum, The St. Augustine Yacht Club and various other groups will have booths providing information about their interests and activities.
Complimentary guided kayak tours of Salt Run will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis at:
- 10:15 a.m.
- 11:45 a.m.
- 1:15 p.m.
Guided Nature walks will take place at:
- 11:00 a.m. Ancient Dunes Nature Trail Walk
- 1:00 p.m. Beach Nature Walk
Live local music will be provided by Amy Hendrickson at 10:30 a.m. and Warehouse Blues at 12:30 p.m.
Maritime Archeology Day on Saturday, February 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. is free, but park entrance fees apply. For more information about Maritime Archeology visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse website. For more information about Anastasia State Park visit the park website.
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