Outlaw Archaeology: How Crime Shaped South Florida's History

About Outlaw Arhcaeology: How Crime Shaped South Florida's History

For centuries, South Florida was America's final frontier, and one of the last places folks could go to disappear. Its unique environment has attracted pirates, gangsters, rum-runners, and other interesting characters! Dodging the law is one of South Florida's proudest traditions, and much of our state's history involves organized crime and criminality. This landscape archaeology talk maps out what makes a pirate and what makes a privateer, a brief history of Floridians' responses to Prohibition, notable organized crime landmarks, and more!

This lecture will take place on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the Deering Estate Visitor Center Theater, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Check-in will begin at 1:45 p.m. Tickets are priced at $15 per participant.

Cultural Arts Programming at the Deering Estate is made possible with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, and The Deering Estate Foundation, Inc.

About Malachi Fenn

Before becoming Public Archaeology Coordinator for FPAN’s Southeast Region, Malachi Fenn worked on cultural resource management (CRM) and museum projects throughout South Florida. They earned their B.A. in Anthropology from New College of Florida. A lifelong visual artist, Malachi has provided archaeological illustrations for numerous publications. Their specializations include Pre-Hispanic Maya archaeology and epigraphy, Florida pre-colonial and historical archaeology, museum collections care, and scientific illustration.

About the Deering Estate

Deering Estate, located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. in Miami, is a 21st Century house museum, cultural and ecological field station, and a national landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, owned by the State of Florida and managed by Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department. Deering Estate is designated as one of seven Miami Dade County “Heritage Parks” which have a vital role in our community’s history, environment and in providing recreational and cultural experiences.

The Deering Estate offers complementary exhibition viewing nights, highlighting a variety of contemporary, historic, and visiting exhibitions inside the historic homes. Come and experience the #ArtsAtDeering. Exhibition Evenings are free of charge and offer the public a chance to interact with artists and curators and to experience a variety of exhibit tours and talks.

About the Deering Estate Foundation

For those who treasure the Deering Estate, who advocate for its preservation and wish to invest in its future, The Deering Estate Foundation provides opportunities for individuals and corporations alike to partake in membership, signature events, and one-of-a-kind experiences, all in service of providing vital funding and support to the Deering Estate. Through these efforts, the foundation fulfills its mission to uphold the legacy of Charles Deering's cherished 1920s-era property, to provide funding for the cultural, educational and recreational experiences it offers, as well as its significant scientific and archaeological endeavors to conserve its diverse flora, fauna and the eight native ecosystems that thrive on its 450 acres, and to ensure its longevity as a prized American heritage site. Established in 1989, The Deering Estate Foundation, Inc. is a community-based charitable 501(c) 3 Florida Corporation and the philanthropic partner of the Deering Estate.

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