In honor of the 450^thanniversary of the Luna expedition (1559), Celebrate Pensacola!, the Spain-Florida Foundation 500 years, West Florida Historic Preservation, Inc., University of West Florida Archaeology Institute and Department of Anthropology, and the Florida Public Archaeology Network are hosting a public symposium in order to educate the public about the role of Pensacola during the 16^th century Spanish exploration and colonization of the new world. Internationally recognized scholars from throughout the United State and Spain will deliver lectures on a variety of topics within the context of 16^thcentury Spanish colonization. This symposium provides a unique opportunity for Pensacola’s residents and visitors to learn from and interact with leading scholars in history and archaeology. The symposium will be held on the exact anniversary of the hurricane that destroyed the Luna colony, preventing Pensacola from being the oldest continually occupied city in the United States.

Events:

                  Friday, September 18^th                  (5:00 pm-6:30 pm) Reception and Book Signing (T.T. Wentworth)

·      Public is invited to meet the scholars in a comfortable & informal setting.

·      Held in conjunction with the Pensacola Arts Council’s Gallery Night.

·      Graduate Students who have worked on the EPII would be stationed throughout the exhibit to talk to the public about finds.

·      J. Bense would  autograph her book “Unearthing Pensacola.”

·      J. Clune & M. Stringfield also signing their book “Colonial Pensacola.”

Friday, September 18^th (7:00-8:00 pm) Keynote Address (Old Christ Church)

Saturday, September 19^th (9:00 am-4:00 pm) Symposium (Old Christ Church)

·      Lectures are given by leading scholars discussing 16^th century Spanish colonization and exploration of the new world

o   Dr. Paul Hoffman, Louisiana State Univ. – The Early 16^th-century Spanish Exploration of Florida in Historical Context

o   Dr. Mary Glowacki  – The Archaeology of Hernando de Soto’s Winter Encampment

o   Dr. John Worth – The Tristan de Luna Expedition in Historical Context

o   Dr. Roger Smith – The Archaeology of the Emanuel Point I Wreck

o   Dr. John Bratten – The Archaeology of the Emanuel Point II Wreck

o   Dr. Kathleen Deagan – After Luna: The Archaeology of  16^th-Century St. Augustine

Saturday, September 19^th (evening) Tours (Historic Pensacola Village)

·      Torch-light tours of the Historic Pensacola Village