Archaeological interpretive panel dedication set for Oct. 14 at Phillippi Estate Park

Families invited to participate in event, which will start at 10 a.m.

Archaeology experts and students sift through samples taken during a two-day excavation at Phillippi Estate Park in January 2016. Photo courtesy Sarasota County

A free, family-friendly dedication has been planned at Phillippi Estate Park on Saturday, Oct. 14, for the installation of interpretative signage about the Archaic Period, Sarasota County has announced.

The event will begin at 10 a.m., a news release says.

The interpretive signage will enable the public to learn about indigenous Native American cultures — including early nomadic tribes — through archaeology that unearthed items up to 6,000 years old, the release adds.

The event also will feature exhibits by the New College Public Archaeology Lab, the Time Sifters Archaeology Society and the Florida Public Archaeology Network, the release points out. A display of artifacts from the Manasota Culture — excavated on the grounds of Phillippi Estate Park and dating back 2,500 years — will be available for review, as well, the release notes.

Among the guest speakers on Oct. 14 will be Uzi Baram, director of the New College Public Archaeology Lab, and Sarasota County archaeologist Steve Koski.

Light refreshments will be available at the Edson Keith Mansion after the dedication, the release says.

Phillippi Estate Park is located at 5500 South Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.

An aerial map shows the location of Phillippi Estate Park. Image from Google Maps

For more information, call the county Contact Center at 861-5000, or visit scgov.net.