New College of Florida in Sarasota is building a public archaeology lab
that will be
completed in the summer of 2010.
New College of Florida's Public Archaeology Lab is
expected to host elementary and secondary students,
archaeological clubs and others from surrounding communities. In an
effort to further promote the diversity of Florida's cultural heritage,
the
archaeology lab will encourage participation from people in the
community.
"There is much more we can do to conserve the past for
the future in this region, and this facility will facilitate
community-based programs," says Uzi Baram, associate professor of
anthropology at NCF.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new
facility was held on March 8 and featured speakers Mike Michalson,
president of New College; State Representative Keith
Fitzgerald; and Baram. The ceremony also included a time capsule
burial by university students.
Willis A Smith Construction of
Sarasota is the general contractor on the project. The
building design is by
Long & Associates
Architects/Engineers
of Tampa. Once completed, the $500,000 public archaeology lab will
be housed in a 1,600-square-foot building. In addition to the lab, the
building will include a classroom for teaching and public events, a
storage facility for artifacts and research, a conference room and an
outdoor seating area that can be used as a classroom or open-air plaza
for community events.
Writer:
Nancy VaughnSource:
Uzi Baram, New College of Florida
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