Florida Department of State’s Bureau of Archaeological Research (http://www.flheritage.com/archaeology/) is responsible for inventorying, documenting, and managing the state’s archaeological sites, both prehistoric and historic, for the people of Florida. Archaeologists work with museums, universities, avocational archaeology groups and societies, communities, and other organizations to promote and preserve these non-renewable resources. Three archaeologists employed in the Bureau specialize in submerged cultural resources. Meet the team:
Dr. Roger C. Smith is Florida's State Underwater Archaeologist. He worked on shipwrecks throughout the Caribbean before graduating from Texas A&M University with a Ph.D. in nautical archaeology. Roger returned to Florida to take up the post of chief underwater archaeologist in 1987. He is the author of three books and dozens of professional and popular articles.
Franklin H. Price is from Bernard, Maine. He has a BA from Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, and an MA in maritime studies from East Carolina University. His experience in underwater archaeology includes both maritime and inundated prehistoric projects. He coordinates public outreach, dive operations, and manages the State's Underwater Archaeological Preserve program.
Dan McClarnon joined the team in 2007. Raised on Florida’s Gulf Coast, he studied at Florida State University for both his undergraduate and graduate degrees. Dan is currently in charge of the Exploration and Salvage Contracts, the team's boats, and logistics.