Expired Shipwrecks: The Spanish Plate Fleets of 1715 and 1733

Thu., June 3 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. The Spanish Plate Fleets lost off the coast of Florida have long evoked awe and fascination. Named the “Plate Fleets” for the plata (silver) coins they carried, the remains of these fleets weave an archaeological tale of international trade, colonialism, piracy, high seas adventure, and tragedy. Beyond the gold and silver that was scattered on the sea floor, the wrecks of the Plate Fleets provide insight into the economy of the Spanish empire and maritime culture of the 18th century. Many of the artifacts recovered from these wrecks are managed by the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research and are on exhibit in museums across the state. Join archaeological collections manager Marie Prentice as she highlights some of these artifacts from the State’s collection. Virtual class on Zoom. Fee. $5