Florida Public Archaeology Network celebrates awards for two staff members
The Florida Public Archaeology Network, a program of the Division of Anthropology and Archaeology at the University of West Florida, celebrates two recent awards for FPAN staff. At a recent Society for Historical Archaeology meeting, Dr. William B. Lees and Mike Thomin were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the field.
Thomin, who manages the Destination Archaeology Resource Center, received a First Place and People’s Choice Award in the video category of the 2016 Advisory Council on Underwater Archaeology Photography Competition, which he also won in 2015. The award-winning video, “Finding Campbell Town,” featured the work of Jennifer Knutson, UWF graduate research assistant pursuing her master’s degree in historical archaeology.
FPAN Executive Director Dr. William B. Lees was presented with the 2015 Charles R. McGimsey III – Hester A. Davis Distinguished Service Award by the Register of Professional Archaeologists.
“It was a much appreciated surprise in that it recognizes not only my lifetime commitment to professionalism in archaeology, but in particular my role in the development of a truly effective system of professional registration through the Register of Professional Archaeologists,” Lees said. “It’s nice to be recognized by your peers for something that has been so personally meaningful.”
Lees’ career spans decades of important work with the RPA, as well as service to the Society for Historical Archaeology as newsletter editor, conference and program chair, and ultimately president. He counts SHA as his professional ‘home,’ and notes it has been good to give back. His research in conflict archaeology has also proved rewarding, both in the Great Plains and in Florida.
Yet among his greatest accomplishments, Lees counts growing FPAN from a concept back in 2005 to the success of today, widely recognized in the state and beyond.
The Florida Public Archaeology Network is a statewide network of regional centers, administered by the University of West Florida and developed in conjunction with the Florida Division of Historical Resources. Its mission is to promote and facilitate the stewardship, public appreciation and value of Florida’s archaeological heritage through regional centers, partnerships and community engagement.
The Pensacola-based FPAN office is located at 207 E. Main Street. To learn more about FPAN and its current projects, visit flpublicarchaeology.org or call 850.595.0050.
