Old Vero Ice Age Sites Committee has invited famed archaeologist Dr. James Adovasio, founder and director of Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute to present “Dig Old Vero: Challenges and Possibilities,” at its fundraiser at Emerson Center on Friday April 12, at 7:00 p.m.  A display of Florida fossils will open at 6 p.m.

OVIASC is working with Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute on the strategy to excavate the Old Vero Site, one of the most important Ice Age Sites in North America.  Adovasio has done many excavations in North America and abroad, in Ukraine, the Czech Republic and Israel. Dr. Adovasio is also one of the foremost experts in perishable artifacts (such as basketry and textiles) and has analyzed perishable remains from excavations in Central and South America, Europe, and Asia.

Adovasio is currently the Provost, Dean of the Zurn School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Director of the Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Adovasio will talk on the next steps for the Vero Site excavation, or the display of rare Florida Ice Age fossils in the Emerson Center lobby that opens at 6 p.m. This is a great opportunity to ask questions of the experts about what’s in store and how you can be a part of this adventure in archaeology.  Dr. C. Andrew Hemmings, a Mercyhurst adjunct professor, who will lead the local excavation, will join Dr. Adovasio. Dr. Hemmings completed his M.S. and PhD at the University of Florida.

OVIASC invites the public to be a part of the project to re-excavate of the Vero Man Site, to preserve and protect it, to educate the public on its significance and to build a local exhibit for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.  We hope they will want to join OVIASC and make a donation to OVIASC to support this historic excavation

Funds have already been raised but more are needed for the dig and the subsequent analytical analysis of findings that will be needed.  To learn more about the Site and the project see OVIASC’s website, www.oviasc.org or call Susan Grandpierre at 772-492-0771.

Tickets for the April 12 event are $20 for adults and $5 for students and are available at the Emerson Cente’s online ticket office or by calling 778-5249.