Annual Meeting and Conference – Florida Anthropological Society

We encourage paper and poster submissions on a broad range of topics pertaining to Florida anthropology, archaeology, history, and other related disciplines. Presentations will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026. You must be a current FAS member, and adhere to the FAS code of ethics to present at the conference. An abstract of no more than 100 words is required from each presenter. Individuals may submit only one paper or poster as the first author for consideration. Presenters must register and pay the appropriate registration fee at the time they submit their abstract. An 18-minute time limit for each paper presentation will be strictly enforced.

The Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside is the designated conference hotel, located at 33 Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda. The hotel offers easy access for attendees throughout the weekend. The opening reception will be held at the hotel Tiki Bar on the waterfront and the conference center is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Saturday banquet is a 10 to 15 min walk along the waterfront and under the US-41 bridge to Laishley Crabhouse.

The hotel is offering a discounted rate of $159 per night, plus a $12 per-day "Destination Fee" (which includes some fun extras) and applicable taxes. This rate is graciously extended for those wishing to extend their trip before or after the conference weekend. The room block number is FL2226 under the Florida Anthropological Society. Follow this link to make your reservation at the Four Points Sheraton: Book your group rate for FAS2026. Attendees are also welcome to call the Four Points Sheraton directly at (941) 263-5798. To reserve your room at the conference rate, mention the Florida Anthropological Society room block number. Check in is at 3:00 pm. The hotel offers complimentary on site self-parking for guests.

This year, we are excited to gather at the beautiful Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, situated directly on the Peace River. The center’s Great Hall and Concourse will serve as our conference hub, offering stunning waterfront views while you browse vendor tables, view poster sessions, and network with colleagues. The Concourse will be the central point for registration and information throughout the weekend. For more information on the venue, visit www.charlotteharborecc.com. Parking at the conference center is free of charge.

Conference registration includes the Welcome Reception, co-hosted with the Florida Archaeological Council at the Harborside Garden Tiki Hut Friday May 8, 2026 at 6:00 pm. The reception provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy comradery and the river breeze with colleagues and friends, as well as appetizers (complimentary for registered attendees) and a cash bar. The evening will include welcoming comments from FAS, followed by the FAC Stewards of Heritage Awards ceremony.

The FAC Stewards of Heritage Awards are presented to individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to aid archaeological preservation, further research, educate or otherwise promote public awareness of Florida archaeology.

The Saturday Banquet and Keynote Presentation will be held at the Laishley Crab House on the Peace River waterfront. Tickets to the banquet are $55. Food selections to be made on the registration form.

The FAS Awards are made available each year to recognize professional and avocational archaeologists, students, individuals, and FAS Chapters which have made exceptional contributions to archaeology and history, historic preservation, public outreach and education in Florida. Awards include the Lazarus Award, Ripley P. Bullen Award, Chapter Awards, Student Scholarship Awards and Grants.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Robert (Bob) Carr co-founded the Archaeological and Historical Conservancy in 1985 and has served as its full-time director since 1999. He has a Master’s Degree in Anthropology from Florida State University. He has worked as an archaeologist with the State of Florida’s Division of Historic Sites, National Park Service and Dade County. He was Miami-Dade County’s first County Archaeologist and became the County Historic Preservation Director. He is the former editor of the Florida Anthropologist and former president of the Florida Archaeological Council. He is a recipient of the Bullen Award and Florida’s Historic Preservation Award.

HISTORIC SPANISH POINT

Sunday, May 10, 2026, we have planned a field trip to Historic Spanish Point, south campus of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Visit a historic landscape museum spanning more than 5,000 years. The site features Indigenous shell middens, an Archaic shell ring mound with a central seep spring, the "Window to the Past" exhibit, a late 19th century restored homestead, reconstructed Chapel, citrus packing house, homestead cemetery, and the early 20th century summer estate of Chicago socialite and entrepreneur Bertha Potter Palmer, all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With spectacular views of Sarasota Bay, coastal hammocks, nature trails, and gardens, there is something for everyone! Enjoy lunch at the on-site café. This trip will feature a personal site tour by Marie Selby Gardens historian, John McCarthy. Cost is $15, meeting time on site 10:15 AM. Located at 401 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, Florida 34229.

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MURALS TOUR

Punta Gorda Murals, where history, art, and community join together. A total of 31 murals grace the buildings of Historic Downtown Punta Gorda. Eight are within the waterfront area, between the conference center, Four Points Sheraton, and Laishley Crab House. Another eight are within a two-by-eight-block area of downtown, with another 15 scattered around town. The murals represent a pleasant way to meander about town on a Sunday morning, after a casual breakfast at one of the many charming restaurants, to learn about the rich history of Punta Gorda. Each mural has a link to information on each one you will encounter.

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MILITARY HERITAGE MUSEUM

The Punta Gorda Military Heritage Museum (located at 900 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950) will be open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This would be a great place to stop by and visit! Their website notes that their museum's purpose is "to honor all who serve." The museum contains non-glorified exhibits from the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts, highlighting contributions by all 6 military branches. There are also commemorative informational plaques on all North American conflicts, including those of Native Americans. Over 20,000 artifacts are curated there and tours are conducted by veteran museum guides. On the second floor, the museum features flight simulators, a laser target range, and VR experiences, such as working in outer space and parachuting from an airplane. Prices are $18 for ages 15+, $14 for veterans, $10 for children 5-14, free for active duty military, and free for under 5 year or for Sustaining Members.

MUSEUM WEBSITE
VIETNAM WALL OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Within Laishley Park, near Laishley Crab House is Veterans Park (200 Harbor Walk Drive, Punta Gorda, FL 33950). Within this park is the Vietnam Wall of Southwest Florida, honoring service members who lost their lives between November 1, 1955, and April 30, 1975. Their website notes that "over 2 million Americans served in-country and over 8 million served during the Vietnam era." This memorial is a half-scale replica of the Washington D.C. memorial. Its granite was quarried from the same source, and it keeps true to the vision of Maya Lin, the D.C. memorial's designer. Also in the park are a garden, gazebo, and "freedom fountain."

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RATES PER PERSON

CALL FOR PRESENTERS---DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS APRIL 10

CONFERENCE HOTEL

CONFERENCE VENUE

WELCOME RECEPTION

AWARDS BANQUET

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

HISTORIC SPANISH POINT

MURALS TOUR

MILITARY HERITAGE MUSEUM

VIETNAM WALL OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

CALL FOR VENDORS