Archaeological Site Tour At Fort Center

Tour Of Early Glades Indian Site Open To Public

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- The Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) Southwest Regional Center, in conjunction with the Southwest Florida Archaeological Society and the Clewiston Museum, will host a Public Day at Fort Center in Glades county on Friday, July 16, 2010, from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

Fort Center, an important Belle Glade archaeological site on Fisheating Creek near Lake Okeechobee in Glades County, was first excavated in the late 1960s, and written about in a well-known volume by William H. Sears in 1982.

Dr. Victor Thompson of Ohio State University, who is conducting an undergraduate field school at Fort Center, will lead tours for the public along with project team members. Thompson�s excavations mark the first time in decades that the site has been subject to excavation.

In addition to site tours, FPAN will have archaeological information and activities available.

The Fort Center site is managed by Florida�s Fish and Wildlife Commission and is located off of SR-78 North of Moore Haven at the Fisheating Creek parking access. Please note that the site is located in a wooded and undeveloped natural area, so proper attire (long pants, sturdy shoes), sun and rain protection, and a water supply are strongly recommended during your visit. Restroom facilities, a parking area, and picnic shelters can be found at the entrance.

The Clewiston Museum in Downtown Clewiston will also be open for visitors as part of our Fort Center Public Day. The Clewiston Museum is located off of SR-80 in downtown Clewiston. No reservations are required.

The Florida Public Archaeology Network is a statewide program dedicated to protecting and preserving the state�s fragile cultural resources and involving the public in the study of our past. The Town of Fort Myers Beach Mound House hosts the Southwest Regional FPAN Center, which serves Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee Counties.

For more information, contact the Florida Public Archaeology Network�s Southwest Regional office at (239)-765-0202 ext. 153, or online at Florida Public Archaeology Network