HIDDEN HISTORY OF THE DRY TORTUGAS: WRITINGS ON THE WALLS

A presentation of the Palm Beach County Archaeological Society featuring guest speaker National Park Service archaeologist Dr. April Watson.

Fort Jefferson is one of the most extensive and ambitious permanent coastal fortifications ever constructed by the United States Army during the 19th Century and many details of its construction and military history are well documented. Many other aspects of the history of this place are still being researched and documented, including the diverse human experiences that span centuries. This incredible structure in the Gulf of Mexico has attracted different groups of people throughout time as varied as the color of the bricks. The purpose of these visitors range from military duty, to human migration, to day tripping pleasure seekers. Throughout time many inscriptions have been left behind marking these arrivals. This presentation highlights a project that focused on several inscriptions spanning the first few decades of the 20th Century to modern times.

Dr. Watson is a cultural geographer and prehistoric archaeologist, focusing on the ways people make places across the landscape, with a particular interest in human geography, substance and settlement, and human/environmental interaction.

For those unable to attend, the following online option is provided via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81948772632?pwd=w8F5GAS6NErTLwWhvsTa0eNtP9Bm77.1

Note: this meeting will take place at the PBC Summit Library, please do not come to the Museum. For additional details contact Rpascucci@pbmnh.org or call (561) 729-4246