March is the time for celebrating Florida history!

Coordinated by the Florida Anthropological Society and the Florida Division of Historical Resources, Florida Archaeology Month is celebrated throughout the entire state during the month of March as a way to teach residents and visitors about Florida’s rich history and local archaeological resources.

Here’s a calendar of some of the Florida Archaeology Month events sheduled for early March in the Panhandle:

¦ Beyond our Backyard (March 1, 7 p.m.): Archaeology around the World Lecture Series – “Jamaica and the Atlantic World: Maritime Connections in a Plantation Economy,” Bowden Building, 120 East Church Street, Pensacola.

¦ Beyond our Backyard (March 8, 7 p.m.): Archaeology around the World Lecture Series – “Maritime Archaeology at Achill Island, Ireland,” Bowden Building, 120 East Church Street, Pensacola.

¦ Arcadia Mill Open House (March 10, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.) : Bring the whole family out to enjoy the largest 19thcentury water-powered industrial complex in Northwest Florida; guided tours, demonstrations, re-enactors, and hands-on activities will be available, 5709 Mill Pond Lane, Milton.

Pensacola Lighthouse chosen as site for rejuvenation project

Speaking of Florida history, one of Northwest Florida’s favorite historical sites – the Pensacola Lighthouse – has been selected as a site of the 2012 Tourism Cares for Pensacola volunteer program scheduled for March 30.

The project, in its 10th year, brings members of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries together to make a difference at an historic site in need of care and rejuvenation.

The work on the lighthouse will include extensive painting on the interior and exterior, landscaping, and upgrades to the parking lot.

Pensacola Lighthouse has towered over Pensacola Bay since 1858 and is still in use today. Located at the Pensacola Naval Air Station, the historic lighthouse is a major Florida landmark.

For more information about the lighthouse, visit www.pensacolalighthouse.org.