AVON PARK, Fla.–Feb. 27, 2015–The Kissimmee Valley Archaeological and Historic Conservancy’s (KVAHC) Speaker Series presents “Dispatches from the Deep: The Archaeology of Florida’s Spanish Shipwrecks,” with archaeologist and historian Melissa Timo on Thursday, March 12, 7 p.m., Building G, Room 101, at South Florida State College’s, Highlands Campus. The public is invited at no cost.

Spanish ships have been navigating Florida’s waters for more than 500 years. This program will highlight the evidence underwater archaeologists have uncovered over the years about failed colonies, far-reaching trade networks, and doomed plate fleets. Participants will explore the evidence and learn how they can visit these unique Florida resources.

Melissa Timo is the public archaeology coordinator for the Florida Public Archaeology Network Southwest Region. She received her master’s from the University of West Florida focusing on Historical Archaeology. Melissa has worked as an archaeologist and historian throughout the eastern United States and specializes in historic cemeteries, frontier communities, and African American archaeology.

For more information, contact Anne Reynolds at 863-840-3995.