Library exhibits artifacts from bridge construction

Archeological remains discovered during the Rehabilitation Project of the Bridge of Lions, such as hand-blown glass bottles, pieces of refined earthenware, and tableware, including majolica pottery shards, are just a few of the objects Historic City News readers can inspect at the Southeast Branch Library located at 6670 US-1 South in St Augustine.

The exhibit coincides with the library’s summer reading theme of “Dig into Reading” that celebrates Viva Florida 500, the year-long commemoration of Florida’s 500th birthday.

“Smaller artifacts, such as a brick paver and torpedo bottles, are displayed in a large wood-and-glass box alongside descriptions and supplementary information panels,” Debra Rhodes-Gibson, Director of the St Johns County Public Library System told Historic City News reporters. “Larger artifacts, such as wood piling and larger pieces of pottery, can be viewed in the lobby’s display case.”

The collection of local artifacts has been loaned to the St Johns County Library System for free display through July 31.

Southeastern Archaeological Research, Inc., a private, cultural-resource management firm, provided archaeological monitoring and artifact collecting throughout the Bridge of Lions construction project due to the archaeological sensitivity of the project area.

A 28-page informational brochure summarizing the history of the Bridge of Lions and the Rehabilitation Project, including why it was decided to rehabilitate the bridge rather than replace it, and how many of the original features were restored, can be borrowed at the library’s reference desk.