Department of Anthropology and Ethnohistory
The Department is engaged in several ongoing research projects. A major effort of direct importance to the archaeological record of southern Florida is the stabilization of the South Florida Archaeological Collection. Additional research projects are focused on the cultural development of ancient peoples in southern Florida from the archaic through the early modern period.
Research and Publications
Our current research is focused on the rise of the Ais people as a regional power along the central east coast of Florida during both the Pre and post-contact periods. Their story is part of the larger history of the Atlantic's rising trade patterns, and the struggle that existed between the Spanish, English, French, and other Europeans to dominate and exploit the resources of the New World.
Archaeology Collections
A major effort of direct importance to the archaeological record of southern Florida is the stabilization and curation of the South Florida Archaeological Collection. The collection consists of over 900 boxes of archaeological material excavated from 1959 through the present. This collection is of major importance in the study of the areas Pre-Contact Native Americans of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
Meetings and Events
Interested in getting involved? Check out our two affiliated volunteer oragnizations, the Gold Coast Anthropological Society and the South Florida Chapter of the Archaeological Institute of America! Join us for monthly guest lectures and participate in hand-on archaeological workshops and special events such as ArcheoFest, a yearly event sponsored by the Palm Beach County Archaeological Society.
Department of Paleontology
The Department of Paleontology maintains active dig sites in both North and South Dakota where our field crews have been conducting excavations in the famous Hell Creek Formation each summer since 2005. Major finds have included Nanotyrannus, Cheryll the Triceratops; Henry, a juvenilel triceratops; fossilized amber with embedded insects; and many other fossil speciemens that are the first of their kind found in the Hell Creek formation.
Research and Publications
Current research projects are focused on the paleo-environments found in the Hell Creek Formation, the K/T Extinction Event, Nanotyrannus, new species of raptors, Cretaceous birds and pterosaurs, and fossilized insects that are the first ever found the Hell Creek.
Paleontology Collections
The Museum's paleontology collections, including those either directly owned by the Museum or on extended loan, contain Florida fossil shells and a range of specimens collected in the Cretaceous formations of North and South Dakota, Wyoming, and other states. Among the vertebrate specimens are the fossil remains of dinosaurs, pterosaurs, birds, and fish. Invertebrate fossils include insects in amber. A number of these, both vertebrate and invertebrate are type specimens.
Meetings and Events
New for dinosaur and fossil enthusiasts, the Florida Institute of Paleontology was formed last year in order to bring together serious students and amateurs who are interested in assisting the Museum staff in it's research, educational outreach programs, and exhibit construction. A guest lecture series keeps our members informed of the latest paleo developments and discoveries.