Archaeology for Everyone: Bensian Boldness and the Florida Public Archaeology Network

Summary

This is an abstract from the session entitled "Well, Well, Well: Papers in honor of Judith A. Bense", at the 2025 annual meeting of the Society for Historical Archaeology.

Bensian archaeology is the ability to see an opportunity and make the most of it. Forty years ago, at the Hawkshaw site in Pensacola, Dr. Judy Bense recognized that public archaeology can serve both the community and her research. Twenty years ago, she realized she could take her vision of public archaeology across the entire state of Florida, creating a unique network dedicated to public outreach, education, and engagement with archaeology. Since 2005, the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) has continued to grow and adapt to the changing world of public archaeology and the needs of a state whose population and land itself are constantly shifting. By embracing Judy’s eye for opportunity and tenacity to make the most of it, FPAN has become an international leader in public archaeology. This paper explores FPAN’s origins and directions for the future as it continues Judy’s vision of archaeology for everyone.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Well, Well, Well: Papers in honor of Judith A. Bense   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2025

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Nicole Haddow