10/04/2026
If you happen to visit Gainesville and the University of Florida campus there is a small exhibit at the Marston Science Library which displays some highlights and artifacts from Dr. Deagan’s archeological career.
444 Newell Dr, Gainesville, FL 32611 https://uflib.ufl.edu/
Exhibit runs through 12/20/2026.(note, don’t visit on a game day)
Excavating a Legacy - "Dr. Kathleen Deagan began her career as one of only a few women archaeologists. Despite the professional challenges that brought, she pioneered historical archaeology techniques that are utilized worldwide. Since 1972, she has excavated in St. Augustine, Florida. Her work there led to one of her most significant achievements, identifying Ft. Mose, the first free Black community in what would later become the United States. Today, after more than 50 years in the field, she is a world-renowned scholarwho continues to publish books and excavate historic sites. Excavating a Legacy was curated by Maile McCall, in partial fulfillment of a Master of Arts in Museum Studies. It was designed by Katiana Bagué (Exhibits Associate, Smathers Libraries) and Lourdes Santamaría-Wheeler (Exhibits Director, Smathers Libraries). The exhibit features items from the Smathers Libraries, excerpts from oral history interviews, and artifacts from the Florida Museum of Natural History, where Dr. Deagan was Curator of Historical Archaeology for 28 years."
