Secretary of State Cord Byrd Announces the Donation of Historic Objects from the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. -

Today, Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced that the Florida Division of Historical Resources has received a donation of fifty-one silver objects from the 1715 Fleet Society.

"On behalf of the Florida Department of State, I extend my sincere thanks to Mr. Richard Beleson and the 1715 Fleet Society for their generous donation," said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. "These historic items have been added to the state's public collections where they will be made available for exhibit, loan, and research for the benefit of all Floridians."

Discovered in 2021 by Captain Michael Perna and the crew of the Mighty Mo, the objects were recovered from the Anchor Wreck, a shipwreck that was part of the Spanish Plate Fleet lost during a hurricane that impacted Florida's East Coast in 1715. Along what is now the coastline of Indian River and St. Lucie counties, eleven ships sank carrying cargo from Spain's American colonies bound to Europe.

Thought to represent a cache or chest of silver, the donated artifacts were likely part of a single object that was to be reassembled on arrival in Spain. Among the items are two never-before-seen plaques bearing a horseman similar to depictions used during Spain's Reconquista in the 15^th century.

The artifacts have been added to the state's archaeological collections, which are managed by the Bureau of Archaeological Research (BAR) within the Division of Historical Resources. Once conservation has been completed, these items will be made available for loan to qualifying institutions through the Artifact Loan Program. Close to eighty thousand objects are currently on exhibit and research loan to over one hundred unique venues across the United States.

A portion of the silver cache, including the horseman plaques, will also be exhibited in the Museum of Florida History when it reopens to the public.

About the Bureau of Archaeological Research

The Florida Department of State's Bureau of Archaeological Research (BAR) is entrusted with the maintenance, preservation, and protection of more than 14,500 years of Florida's heritage. Archaeological and historical resources on state-owned and state-managed lands, including sovereignty submerged lands, are the direct responsibility of BAR. State archaeologists carry out archaeological surveys and excavations throughout Florida, primarily on state-owned lands. They also assist consultants and planners in protecting sites statewide. BAR is also responsible for curating and conserving the State's archaeological collections. They maintain records on historical resources that have been recorded and assist consultants and planners in protecting sites statewide. For more information, visit: DOS.MyFlorida.com/historical/archaeology/.

About the 1715 Fleet Society

The 1715 Fleet Society is a 501c(3) Nonprofit organization dedicated to researching the 1715 Fleet lost off the East Coast of Florida. The Society aims to promote public awareness and scholarly study of the Plate Fleet and currently has hundreds of members. Learn more: https://1715fleetsociety.com