Dr. Keith Ashley, coordinator of the Research Program Service and adjunct professor of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work, received the 2015  Preservation Award for his work on the exhibit “Uncovering the Past: New Archaeological Discoveries of Northeast Florida” at the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) that ran from January through May 2014.

The exhibit featured historical artifacts, including 1,000-year-old pottery and artwork by St. Augustine artist Theodore Morris. The presentation explores archaeology, history and land preservation from before, during and after French and Spanish contact with Native Americans in Northeast Florida.

“I was honored to accept this award on behalf of the UNF Archaeology Lab and the many students who devoted their time and energy to uncovering Jacksonville’s ancient past,” Ashley said.

The Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission presented the award. Their annual awards ceremony, “recognizes outstanding projects and services that promote historic preservation in the Jacksonville area,” according to the press release.

Nominations for the awards were made by individuals for projects that have been completed in Duval County within the last two years.

Ashley has multiple artifacts that are displayed at MOSH year round. He also leads UNF’s annual Summer Archaeological Field School, which is open to the public.

The Field School, which partners with the National Park Service, will excavate a 1,000-year-old Native American site located at Fort Caroline. After excavation, they will move to Black Hammock Island to work with a Native American village associated with a Spanish mission. 

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