The New College Public Archaeology Lab (NCPAL) is committed to facilitating education, outreach, and the study of archaeology within a broader anthropological and interdisciplinary context.
The New College Public Archaeology Lab, established by Uzi Baram in 2010, facilitates studies of archaeology and historic preservation for Sarasota and Manatee counties through ethical, community-based research and public engagement.
Mission Statement
Increasing public understanding of the archaeological past, through ethical practices, to build an inclusive heritage across Southwest Florida.
In the News
Our Goal
Strengthen historic preservation in southwest Florida through undergraduate community service-learning, civic engagement, and project-based examples of ethical stewardship of the past for the cosmopolitan present. Public Archaeology can stimulate an interest in archaeology among the general public while promoting awareness that cultural resources have significance in the present. Knowledge of the history beneath our feet contributes to community spirit and a sense of place.
Our understanding of the past can come from history books, archaeological sites and artifacts, the built landscape, legends and oral histories, and archives including newspapers. Heritage preservation and conservation expand access to these elements; woven together they produce a rich vision of a past that is a place for observing, pondering, and acknowledging the social dynamics and historical trajectories of this community.
Director
Uzi Baram, Professor of Anthropology & Heritage Studies
Projects
A great way to learn about our current and past projects is to read our annual newsletter. You may also follow the NCPAL on Facebook for news! For in-depth findings, read the research reports linked at the bottom of this page.
Contact Us
Public Archaeology Lab
Phone Number
Email Address
Connect
Research Report Series
New College undergraduates are encouraged to participate, expand, and contribute to heritage projects across the region for their anthropological and heritage studies training and toward civic engagement. The New College Public Archaeology Lab Research Report Series documents the efforts and provides publication experience for advanced undergraduate researchers.
Printed copies of the reports are available at the Jane Bancroft Cook Library and Sarasota County Libraries.
Remembering Rye Village and the Landscape in Manatee County, Florida
New College Public Archaeology Lab Research Report Number 1 by Alexis Santos, 2011
Report on the 2010-12 Survey of the Galilee Cemetery in Sarasota, Florida: Community, Race, and Commemoration
New College Public Archaeology Lab Research Report Number 2 by Uzi Baram, 2012
Teaching Students Concepts of Florida Heritage and Civic Engagement with Patrick D. Smith’s A Land Remembered
New College Public Archaeology Lab Research Report Number 3 by Nicole Ouellette, 2014
The Many Histories by Phillippi Creek: Final Report on Community Heritage Awareness and Management Program (CHAMP) at Phillippi Estate Park, 2014-16
New College Public Archaeology Lab Research Report Number 4 by Uzi Baram, 2017
Heritage as Social Action: Sarasota/Manatee in an Age of Rising Sea Levels
New College Public Archaeology Lab Research Report Number 5 by Uzi Baram and Jeff Moates, 2019
Recovering History by the Manatee Mineral Spring, Bradenton, Florida, Excavations and Laboratory Analysis
New College Public Archaeology Lab Research Report Number 6 by Uzi Baram, 2021
Integrated Heritage Pilot Project at the Tabby House Ruins, De Soto National Memorial: Archeal, Bacterial and Fungal Finds and Findings
New College Public Archaeology Lab Research Report #7 by Erika Díaz-Almeyda and Uzi Baram, 2021
About The Facility
Located on the Bayfront campus, the New College of Florida’s Public Archaeology Lab features more than 1,600 square feet of workspace for processing and interpreting artifacts, an office for archaeological site reports and geographic information systems, and storage space for excavated finds. 2008 FIPSE grant (#P116Z080257) from the U.S. Department of Education created the New College Public Archaeology Lab; the facility opened in October 2010.
The Lab is used to facilitate archaeology and historic preservation in Sarasota and Manatee counties and to train New College students in ethical, community-based research on local history and regional heritage.
Community partnerships are encouraged. If you wish to financially support the program, please send donations to the Public Archaeology Lab, fund #7012, at the New College Foundation.