Spectacular Summer Solstice

We all know that Shell Mound is a special place and during Friends solstice celebrations our archaeologist friends delight us with stories about past cultures that really make it sing. 

​More than 50 people came out on a hot but otherwise perfect day to learn about the Mound.
​Friends' Immediate Past-President Dr. Ginessa Mahar animatedly guided 25 enrapt guests along the Shell Mound trail. She tied past celebrations together with our activities today.  A spectacular talk!

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And here is visual proof, in a video taken by Refuge Manager Andrew Gude, that Ginessa is such a fantastic presenter people will put up with anything, even biting flies, to hear her.

Dr. Ken Sassaman's talk. Photo by Dorsey DeMaster

​Next, Dr. Ken Sassaman described techniques archaeologists used to learn from remnants and discards at Shell Mound. He spoke about the shape of Shell Mound and similarly shaped possible habitations on nearby islands that were all abandoned around the same time.

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Nigel Rudolf at Hog Island. Photo by Debbie Meeks

​An archaeo-kayak tour, led by Nigel Rudolph of the Florida Public Archaeology Network, visited other archaeology sites near Shell Mound including Komar. Along the way, paddlers learned about cultural differences and efforts to repatriate items in museum collections. 

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Dorsey DeMaster, Florida Paddling Trails Association's regional co-director for our area, told paddlers about the Florida Circumnavigation Trail (CT) that routes paddlers along established water trails and camp sites. Native people probably used similar routes on their journey to solstice events at Shell Mound.

Refuge Manager Andrew Gude hanging out with Rover.

Refuge Rover attended its first solstice event and was a big hit.

If you missed this Summer Solstice celebration at Shell Mound, watch for announcements of our Winter Solstice celebration and come join Friends at Shell Mound in December.