Matheson History Museum presents ‘Early Spanish Florida: Unearthing the History of America’s Oldest Colony’

Press release from the Matheson History Museum

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Matheson History Museum is honored to host distinguished archaeologist and historian Judith A. Bense, Ph.D., for an engaging talk about her book, “Early Spanish Florida: Unearthing the History of America’s Oldest Colony,” on Wednesday, August 5. Dr. Bense’s book was also recently selected to represent Florida literature at the 2026 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 5, at 7 p.m.

Told through the perspectives of the Spanish, Indigenous, and African communities whose interactions reshaped the region, the book highlights the complex cultural exchanges that defined early Florida. With maps, artifact photographs, excavation images, historical sites, and original documents — along with suggested readings and places to visit — “Early Spanish Florida” offers readers a vivid and accessible introduction to the state’s deep and fascinating past.

Books will be sold at this event, and there will be a Q&A with Dr. Bense following the presentation.

Registration: https://mathesonmuseum.networkforgood.com/events/102428-early-spanish-florida

Judith A. Bense, Ph.D.

Judith A. Bense, Ph.D. is president emerita and professor of anthropology at the University of West Florida. Bense is the author of many books, including “Unearthing Pensacola” and “Presidios of Spanish West Florida,” and winner of the Southern Anthropological Society James Mooney Award. She is the founder of the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN).

This program is sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville/Alachua County, FL, and the City of Gainesville.