Artifacts uncovered at Phillippi Estate Park

SARASOTA (FOX 13) - Researchers and volunteers are digging in Phillippi Estate Park, hoping to find links to the past in the form of tools and treasures.

Archeologists from New College said they expect to find artifacts dating back more than 2,000 years. They hope those items will give them a window into the past, while giving them a comparison for the future.

Volunteers said they were curious about the history they might dig up. Sue Chaney said curiosity is what brought her out to dig.

"We all have a past, but some of us are unaware of it and others of us like to know," Chaney said. "It is great for us that don't know what's going on, to show us and tell us what it all about."

Dr. Uzi Baram with New College of Florida admits the spots they are digging through have treasures that were once thrown out, the old adage holds true. One man's trash is another man's treasure.

"For the most we find the tools that they used made out of shell, made out of ceramic. It gives a sense of their every day life," Dr. Baram explained. "These are things that people forgot about, they weren't seen as important, but when we bring it up it brings a connection to today and the past."

The items they uncover may end up on display on the estate grounds.

"Lots of people lived here and lots of people live in Sarasota today. We can connect those differences together," Dr. Baram said.

The dig will continue Tuesday, January 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.