Also on hand for the tribute was distinguished research curator of archaeology and adjunct professor of anthropology and history at UF’ s Florida Museum of Natural History- Kathleen Deagan. Since 1972, she has performed excavations in St. Augustine. Her work included the critical identification of Fort Mose itself. While addressing the audience, Deagan shared the account of Florida legislator Bill Clark’ s visit to St. Augustine, during which time he learned about Fort Mose.“ He became really intrigued, and we got in touch and began talking … that was the genesis of some of the archaeology that was done, and we were able, through the University of Florida, to work on the site for several seasons,” Deagan explained.
She went on to acknowledge the work of Darcie McMahon( also on hand for the groundbreaking), who is director of exhibits and public programs at the Florida Museum of Natural History. McMahon oversaw an exhibit called“ Colonial America’ s Black Fortress of Freedom.” Deagan shared that it toured for 11 years and was likely seen by upwards of one million people. She went on to relate that“ curiously, it still didn’ t enter into the popular consciousness” in terms of what many consider to be American History.“ I think what we’ re doing here today is the thing that will bring that into the much more public popular broad context of American history.”
We opened today with a quote from historical society re-enactor Alma Melvin. She had much insight to share from the podium, donning a house dress and bonnet. Melvin took care to
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