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Hometown News An old archeological site in Vero Beach is getting more attention as archeologists grow eager to excavate and learn more about artifacts that may be lying beneath the surface. 
In order to get to that point, Vero Beach city officials and the Indian River County Historical Society are looking for ways to protect and preserve the location known as the Vero Man site.The Vero Man site was discovered in the early 1900s and scientists from around the nation and even some from other countries came to visit, finding human bones, large animal bones and pottery shards and tools, said Ruth Stanbridge, county historian. The only problem was those scientists took whatever they found back with them, and didn't leave an accurate portrayal of what was found and in what sediment layers, she said. According to records, the bones of both a man and a woman were found in the independent excavations, but the bones are now scattered in museums and nothing can be accurately put back together again to verify authenticity, Mrs. Stanbridge said. "It's kind of like having the blood in one place, and the knife in another. It's a mystery and a controversy," she said. Barbara Purdy, an anthropologist who has researched Florida artifacts extensively, believes there may be more to discover at the Vero Man site. In order to pave the way for a professional excavation in the future, the historical society, with the help of Mrs. Stanbridge, is seeking support to protect the site with resolutions by local governing bodies. Both the Indian River County and Vero Beach officials are expected to pass resolutions pledging support for protection. After the resolutions are taken to Tallahassee, Mrs. Stanbridge said state archeologists are willing to help them secure eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. "Not only will it safeguard it (the Vero Man site) but it will also open up funding opportunities so we can survey in advance the areas and have a professional, scientific excavation by people like Dr. Purdy," Mrs. Stanbridge said. "If there are significant artifacts, we need to keep them here in Indian River County, and not let them slip away like before," she said. The Vero Man site is close to the municipal airport and the county administration building and is tied in with sections of the main relief canal. Funding for the survey and subsequent excavation will undoubtedly need to start with interested citizens and local organizations, Mrs. Stanbridge said. "A number of people have already said they will participate with us. This is not something that will happen quickly, it will take some time, but we want to do it right," she said. Ms. Purdy will speak at the Emerson Center on March 4 with other scientists interested in uncovering more of the mystery that is the Vero Man site, Mrs. Stanbridge said.
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