7000-Year-Old Discoveries: Manasota Key Archaeological Site

The “7000-Year-Old Discoveries: Manasota Key Archaeological Site” presentation is the sixth presentation in the Ormond Beach Historical Society’s 2021-22 Speaker Series. The presenter is Ryan M. Duggins, PhD., Florida State Underwater Archaeological Supervisor.

An unexpected discovery by a fossil hunter diving a quarter-mile off Manasota Key near Venice, Florida, has led to a groundbreaking archaeological project. Investigations by the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research at the Manasota Key Offshore site (8SO7030) revealed evidence of a prehistoric Native American burial site in what appears to have been a freshwater peat-bottomed pond thousands of years ago. Ongoing archaeological investigation revealed multiple discrete areas containing peat, worked wooden stakes that were used in burial practice, and the remains of multiple individuals. Radiocarbon dating of two stakes dated them to more than 7,200 years old. When this site was in use, the waters of the Gulf of Mexico were about 30 feet below their current level.

This presentation discusses the results from remote sensing investigations and underwater archaeological documentation while addressing long-term management plans for this delicate and unique site. Learn about the recent evidence that could change everything scientists thought they knew about offshore archaeology.

This program is funded in part through a Florida Humanities Community Project Grant in partnership with the Ormond Beach Historical Society.