July 10, 2025 – (KEY WEST, FL). The Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) and the Key West Art & Historical Society are excited to announce the 9th annual Tidally United Summit, scheduled for July 31 and August 1, 2025, at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center in Key West. This important event brings together archaeologists, climate scientists, cultural heritage professionals, and community members to explore strategies for protecting historic sites and cultural resources in the face of rising seas, stronger storms, and warming oceans.
This year’s summit will focus on the City of Key West and its surrounding maritime resources as a powerful example of resilience and innovation in heritage preservation. Throughout the two-day event, speakers and participants will share insights, research, and community-based efforts that aim to safeguard the past while planning for the future.
Thursday’s sessions will feature a lineup of local and international experts. Alison Higgins, Resiliency Manager for the City of Key West, will speak about the city’s efforts to preserve historical assets as part of its broader climate adaptation strategy. Dr. Katey Lesneski, with Mission: Iconic Reefs, will present recent updates on coral reef restoration efforts in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. FPAN staff will also highlight how the community can get involved in documenting storm-impacted heritage sites through the HMS Florida citizen science initiative.
Providing a global perspective, the summit’s keynote speaker, Dr. Vibeke Vandrup Martens of the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU), will share her work on the impacts of permafrost thaw and coastal erosion on historic preservation efforts in northwestern Europe.
On Friday, attendees will join Dr. Corey Malcom of the Florida Keys History Center for a guided tour of the African Cemetery at Higgs Beach, followed by an optional visit to the Key West Museum of Art & History for a self-guided tour.
Registration for the summit is $50, with discounted rates of $25 for Monroe County residents and $15 for students. Attendees are encouraged to register by July 18 to secure their lunch preferences and ensure participation in all scheduled activities.
For more information and to register, visit https://www.fpan.us/projects/tidally-united-summit-2025/.
IMAGE 1: Registration is now open for the 9th annual Tidally United Summit to discuss strategies for preserving coastal heritage sites threatened by climate change, such as this shoreline impacted by King Tide flooding. This year’s summit will be held at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center in Key West on July 31–August 1, 2025. (Photo Credit: Florida Public Archeology Network)
