RANDELL RESEARCH CENTER

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The Randell Research Center (RRC) is a research and education program operated by the Florida Museum of Natural History at the Pineland Site Complex, Lee County, Florida. The RRC is a logical extension of the Museum's Southwest Florida Project and "Year of the Indian" archaeology/education project. The RRC has existed since 1996 when the Randell family gifted 53 acres of the 240-acre, internationally significant Pineland Site Complex to the University of Florida. You are welcome to visit the Randell Research Center. For information on tours, programs, and volunteer opportunities, call 239-283-2062 or e-mail: johneworth (Please add "@comcast.net" for full email address).	A colorful sign on Waterfront Drive welcomes visitors to the Randell Research Center at Pineland, 2001.
The thirty-foot-high Brown's Mound at the Pineland Site Complex, viewed from the north, 2001. Note people on top of the mound at left, beyond palm tree. (Photo by Merald Clark.)

Adults and children alike are fascinated by the Indian-built Pine Island Canal, remnants of which are still visible at the Pineland Site.

The Florida Museum of Natural History undertook archaeological and ecological field research at the Pineland Site Complex in 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1995, and 2001. These studies have been published in both professional and lay-public forms and the detailed analyses are being compiled into a monograph being jointly edited by Karen Walker and William Marquardt.

The Randell Research Center at Pineland is dedicated to a historical-ecology approach that provides valuable long-term information on Florida's changing maritime habitats and the interactions of people with their surroundings. In southwest Florida, its programs — both research and education — are complementary to those of local museums, nature centers, conservation organizations, public schools, colleges, universities, heritage tourism, and eco-tourism. By teaching visitors about the history of the remarkable environments and the cultures that have prospered along Florida's southern coasts, the RRC encourages stewardship of Florida's cultural and natural heritage.

In January 2001, Lee County purchased the historic Ruby Gill House at Pineland and leased it to the Florida Museum for use as RRC headquarters. In the Gill House, located at 7450 Pineland Road next to the Pineland post office, the RRC has its office, meeting rooms, labs, and work areas (see RRC Friends Newsletter vol. 1, no. 1). You may phone the office at 239-283-2062 for information on tours and programs.

The Pineland Site Complex, home of the Randell Research Center, seen from the air, 1991.		The Ruby Gill house, headquarters of the Randell Research Center, 2002.

John Worth at work in the main office of the Randell Research Center at Pineland.

Archaeologist/ethnohistorian John E. Worth manages and coordinates the Center's public-education programs and development. Thanks to a lead grant from the Stans Foundation, matched by the State of Florida, the Randell Research Center will build a teaching pavilion, parking area, and public restrooms at Pineland in 2002-2003. (For more information, see Calusa News no.10.) A grant from the Florida Department of State, Bureau of Historic Preservation, will fund the second phase of site interpretation in 2003-2004 (see RRC Friends Newsletter vol. 1, no. 2).

You are invited to join the Friends of the Randell Research Center. By means of financial and volunteer support, the Friends actively promote archaeological and environmental research and education in southwest Florida. You can join for $30 per year, $15 if you are a student. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by federal law. All Friends of the RRC receive a quarterly newsletter. Supporters at higher levels are entitled to discounts on our books and merchandise, advance notice of programs, and special recognition.