Doing Archaeology Publicly: The Bayshore Homes Project, Florida

The Bayshore Homes site is a precolumbian mound and midden complex located in the Parque Narvaez neighborhood of Pinellas County, Florida. Over the past decade, archaeological excavation and research have been conducted in a very public environment: the front and back yards of the subdivision’s residents. Involving the residents as partners in the process of discovery about the neighborhood’s ancient past has been an essential component of the project since its inception. This paper discusses the results of such involvement, from the use of volunteers to educating residents about the importance of preserving the neighborhood’s Native American heritage.