The 2013 Southeastern Archaeological Conference (SEAC) Public Outreach Grant was awarded to Sarah Nohe, Outreach Coordinator, Florida Public Archaeology Network at Florida Atlantic University, Fort Lauderdale, for her project The Misadventures of Sandy Trowels: An Illustrated Children’s Book & Programming Focused on Florida History. Nohe’s project will use the SEAC Public Outreach Grant money to publish a Florida heritage-based children’s book, targeted to ages 4-10.

The book is designed to inspire readers to explore the history around them. Planned as the first in a series, the book is based on real archaeological sites and actual recorded artifacts. Through an artifact found by the main character, readers will learn about archaeological concepts, such as the definition of an artifact, the difference between observation and inference, and the importance of careful recording. In addition, since the book’s featured site is publicly accessible, there is the potential for readers to broaden their experience with a visit. The SEAC grant of $2,000 will cover the publishing cost of the books.

The books will be distributed at no cost to libraries in a four-county region, and will arrive in time for the libraries’ 2013 Dig Into Reading summer program. Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) staff and volunteers will schedule weekly library visits during the summer program to provide readings and activities associated with the book. A gallery of images from the activities will be maintained on the FPAN website. The project demonstrates community partnerships with libraries and historic sites, and has potential long-term impact through the book series.

For additional information on this and past SEAC grant winners, visit the SEAC grants page at http://www.southeasternarchaeology.org/grant.html.