EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Florida's diverse history and prehistory stretches back over 12,000 years. Each year in March, statewide programs and events celebrating Florida Archaeology Month are designed to encourage Floridians and visitors to learn more about the archaeology and history of the state, and to preserve these important parts of Florida's rich cultural heritage.

To help celebrate, the Cultural Resource Section invites Team Eglin to visit the Interpretive Center, located in Bldg. 238, where a unique glimpse into the bases heritage and history is presented. The center is open year round. However, base cultural resources specialists will be on hand from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. during the week of Mar. 22-26 to provided information and answer questions about artifacts on display.

The facility showcases the finest examples of historic and prehistoric artifacts that have been recovered from the Eglin reservation. Inside the facility, you can follow the timeline of the cultures that existed from 8,000 years ago through the 1940's.

Displays include artifacts such as stone bowls, pottery, and arrowheads; British Colonial period artifacts such as a military button from the uniform of a soldier and wine and gin bottle fragments; photographs depicting historic homesteads and the turpentine camps from the early 20th century; and photographs and displays reflecting the history and heritage of the Air Force itself.

Artifacts recovered from base investigations will also be featured at the base library throughout the month.

In addition, Eglin's Cultural Resources will support the Archaeology Month Celebration Event March 27, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Florida Public Archaeology Network Coordinating Center in Pensacola.

For information regarding Eglin's cultural resources, contact Lynn Shreve at 883-5201. For more information on area events please visit www.flarchmonth.com.