University of West Florida Luna Settlement Project

06/22/2026

Another student update from the Mission Escambe dig north of town.

06/13/2026

Another update from the Mission Escambe excavation north of town.

06/07/2026

Sharing ongoing UWF field school activities up at Mission Escambe.

06/04/2026

05/16/2026

Here are some pictures from the 2026 UWF Terrestrial Archaeological Field School at the 18th-century mission of San Joseph de Escambe, on the Pensacola Colonial Frontiers page.

04/11/2026

Very sad news regarding our colleague and friend in the maritime side of Luna expedition research.

With sadness, we share that UWF Associate Professor of Maritime Archaeology, Dr. Greg Cook, passed away on Wednesday, April 1.

Please keep the Cook family and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. A celebration of life is planned for later this year.

04/06/2026

Please join on zoom at 1pm tomorrow, April 6th to support Pax Johnson’s thesis!

03/02/2026

The 2025 University of West Florida Combined Maritime and Terrestrial Field School offers one of the most comprehensive archaeological training experiences in the Southeast. Based in Pensacola, Florida, this program integrates both maritime and terrestrial methods, giving students the opportunity to develop a wide range of hands‑on skills while contributing to active research projects.
The maritime component focuses on investigations of historic wreck sites in local waters. Students will dive on geophysical targets that may be connected to the 1559 Tristán de Luna expedition and participate in a geophysical survey of Blackwater Bay aimed at identifying additional shipwrecks. Training emphasizes essential field and lab methods, including site control grids, the use of hand tools, identification of ship structure and features, detailed field documentation, operation of field instruments, and introductory conservation procedures. A diving certification from a nationally recognized program, along with appropriate permissions, is required for participation in underwater work.
The terrestrial portion centers on the Mission Escambe site in Molino. Excavations there will revisit an area previously identified as the likely location of the mission church associated with the Apalachee community, a project delayed after the discovery of the Luna Settlement in 2015. Students will gain experience excavating in clay-rich soils using shovels and trowels, with an emphasis on careful excavation techniques, field drawings, thorough documentation, and integrated field‑lab practices.
Together, these complementary components offer an immersive educational experience that prepares students for professional work across archaeological settings. Participants will build technical competence, contribute to ongoing research, and deepen their understanding of both colonial and indigenous histories in the Pensacola region.
Find out more at: https://uwf.edu/cassh/departments/anthropology/field-schools/