*December 2012 Archeology E-Gram*
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*NPS Vanishing Treasures Program Manager Virginia Salazar-Halfmoon Retires*
Virginia Salazar-Halfmoon, NPS Vanishing Treasures program manager, retired
on December 29, 2012, with 37 years of Federal service, all with the NPS in
her home state of New Mexico.* *Salazar-Halfmoon began her NPS career in
high school as an interpretative aide in the Southwest Region Office in
Santa Fe. She earned a BA degree in anthropology from New Mexico State
University, participated in the Native American MA program at the School of
American Research in Santa Fe, and had an internship in pottery
conservation. She also completed an exchange research project at the
University of British Columbia, and completed the USDA Graduate School’s
Executive Potential Program.* *Through college, she worked for the NPS at
Pecos NHP and White Sands NM.
“My cultural heritage is deeply rooted in New Mexico,” said
Salazar-Halfmoon, who is of Tewa Pueblo Indian and Spanish ancestry,
tracing back to the original colonizing families of New Mexico. “My
commitment to preserving this cultural heritage and resources led me to my
Park Service career.”
Salazar-Halfmoon’s first permanent NPS job was as curator of collections at
Bandelier NM. During her 12 years there, she oversaw curation of the
Bandelier Archeological Survey. To prevent a backlog of collections and
archives, she started a field curation program. In 1989, Salazar-Halfmoon
became regional curator for the Southwest and later Intermountain regions.
In her 15 years in this post, she was involved in review of the drafting of
the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and
later was the lead in implementing NAGPRA throughout the region. She and
park staff coordinated and consulted with more than 60 American Indian
tribes affiliated with collections in 26 parks and led development of
guidelines for respectful tribal consultations. Salazar-Halfmoon also began
a national dialogue with tribes about collections contaminated by toxic
preservatives. She led development of the region’s first strategy for
museum collections facilities that became a model for other regions.
In 2005, Salazar-Halfmoon became manager of the NPS Vanishing Treasures
(VT), an architectural preservation program at 46 parks in 8 states and 2
regions. The program produced sustainable guidelines, comprehensively
examined preservation technology and methods, and developed guidelines for
choosing appropriate preservation approaches for historic and archeological
sites.
Salazar-Halfmoon and her husband, Otis Halfmoon, will continue to live in
New Mexico.
* *
*By Patrick O’Driscoll and Patricia Turley*
*Vanishing Treasures Program*
* *
*Glacier NP Superintendent Chas Cartwright Retires*
After 40 years of government service, Glacier NP Superintendent Chas
Cartwright has announced his retirement, effective at the end December.
After graduating from Michigan State University with a BA degree in
anthropology in 1972, Cartwright traveled west to begin his career in
public land management.
Cartwright began his career with the NPS at Canyonlands NP and Arches NP
and Natural Bridges NM as the group's first permanent archeologist. Prior
to joining the NPS, he worked for the BLM as an archeologist and the USFS
as a fire lookout, river ranger and firefighter. His career with the NPS
has included superintendent positions at Shenandoah NP, Dinosaur NM, Devils
Tower NM, Knife River Indian Villages NHS, and Hovenweep NM. He held acting
superintendent positions at Carlsbad Caverns NP and National Bridges NM. He
also served as the Associate to the Deputy Director of the National Park
Service in Washington, D.C. Cartwright joined Glacier NP in the spring of
2008.
Cartwright and his wife Lynda plan to stay in the Flathead Valley and
continue exploring outdoor recreational activities.
*By Denise Germann,*
*Public Affairs Specialist, Glacier NP*
*Message from Editorial and Production Staff of Archeology E-Gram*
For the past eight years the *Archeology E-Gram* has provided timely and
useful information about training, educational resources, research, and
archeological events to archeologists in the NPS, other Federal agencies,
and the wider archeological community. This year, we changed our format to
include images in the E-grams available on the Archeology Program website
at http://www.nps.gov/archeology/public/news.htm.
We encourage you to submit news items, training announcements, reports for
Projects in Parks, report titles and summaries for “The Federal
Archeologist’s Bookshelf,” and suggestions for other features and news
items.
We have thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone who contributed to
the *Archeology
E-Gram*. In 2012 we were assisted by intern *Christine Oricchio. **Thank
you, Christine! *The production and editorial staff of the *Archeology
E-Gram* wish you and your families all the best for the coming year.
*Fiesta at Tumacácori National Historical Park Draws Thousands*
La Fiesta de Tumacácori, a two-day cultural celebration during the first
weekend in December, drew 3,800 visitors to the historical park. Dancing
horses, O’odham musicians and dancers, mariachis, Apache crown dancers, and
folklorico dancers entertained the visitors. Children’s activities included
writing with quill pens, making adobe bricks, viewing live hawks, and
trying on 18th century style clothing.
Generous contributions of the Friends of Tumacácori and Western National
Parks Association (WNPA) helped support the event. Planning, coordination,
and preparation by the park’s cadre of dedicated employees and volunteers
ensured a successful fiesta.
La Fiesta de Tumacácori is held annually during the first full weekend of
December. In 2013, the dates for Fiesta are December 7 and 8, so mark your
calendars!
For more information about Tumacácori National Historical Park, go to
http://www.nps.gov/tuma/index.htm
* *
*By Vicki Wolfe, Park Ranger*
*Tumacácori National Historical Park*
*150th Anniversary of USS Cairo Sinking Commemorated at Vicksburg National
Military Park*
On December 12, 2012, as part of Civil War sesquicentennial observances at
Vicksburg NMP, staff and visitors commemorated the 150th anniversary of the
sinking of the *USS Cairo*. The only surviving Civil War City Class
ironclad claims the distinction of being the first naval vessel sunk by an
underwater mine. Going down in 12 minutes on December 12, 1862, with no
loss of life, the *USS Cairo* lay on the bottom of the Yazoo River for 102
years. The gunboat was raised on December 12, 1964, and has been on display
at Vicksburg NMP since 1985.
Program attendees were welcomed by park Superintendent Michael Madell,
followed by the posting of the colors by the Warren Central High School
Navy Junior ROTC. Guests at the ceremony included individuals who
participated in raising the *USS Cairo* in 1964. Stuart Stein was assigned
as an Army photographer during the salvage operations and donated his
photographs of the salvage to the park. Also attending was Ken Parks, one
of the first divers to explore the ship while it lay on the bottom of the
Yazoo River. Retiring maintenance chief, Jerrel Cooper who, early in his
park career, took part in the moving of the *USS Cairo* from Pascagoula,
Mississippi, to Vicksburg NMP in the 1970s, was also present.
The event’s main address was provided by U.S. Navy Commander Brent Phillips
of Millington, Tennessee, who stressed the significance of the naval
operations during the Vicksburg Campaign and Siege, and the importance of
preserving battlefields and exhibits such as the *USS Cairo* for current
and future generations.
*By Virginia DuBowy *
*Natural Resources Program Manager, Vicksburg NMP*
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*Mesa Verde National Park Opens New Visitor and Research Center *
Mesa Verde NP opened its new visitor and research center in December
2012, completing a planning process that Superintendent Cliff Spencer says
"started in the 1930s, when the superintendent's report noted the need for
a visitor contact station near the park entrance."
The new building serves both the visitor services and research support
functions, with about 8,000 square feet dedicated to visitor services and
about 15,000 square feet dedicated to collections and archives storage and
workspace for the park curator and researchers. The new facility, located
just off US 160 at the park entrance, is 20 miles from the park's developed
areas around the cliff dwellings on Chapin and Wetherill Mesas.**
Representatives from the 24 tribes associated or affiliated with Mesa Verde
contributed to the building and exhibits design. Platinum-level LEED
standards were followed in building orientation, sourcing materials,
handling waste, and lighting and water fixtures. The facility implements
several alternative energy systems, including a 100 kw solar energy field,
geothermal wells to precondition building air, a micro turbine on the
park's raw water line, and a solar-heated water system for the restrooms
and exterior snow melt on sidewalks
For more information about Mesa Verde National Park, visit www.nps.gov/meve
*By Carol Sperling, Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services*
*Mesa Verde NP*
* *
*Cultural Resources in NPS Climate Change Webinar Series*
The NPS Natural Resources Program has periodically offered seminars on
climate change for the past four years. The purpose of the webinar series
is to connect NPS employees, volunteers, and partners with scientists and
experts in the field of climate change research. The goal is to provide a
service-wide forum where researchers can share credible, up-to-date
information and research materials about the impacts of changing climate in
national parks.
A number of presentations have encompassed archeological or anthropological
topics:
April 2009: Impacts of Climate Change on Indigenous Communities in Western
Alaska – Don Callaway
January 2010: Tribal Resilience in the Face of Climate Change – Bob Gough
June 2010: Deforestation, Climate, and the Archeology of Human Response –
Rob Griffin
February 2011: The Role of Archeology – Marcy Rockman
May 2012: Collaborative Management for Cultural Resources in Hawaii –
Cheryl Anderson
August 2012: Opposing Evolution and Climate Change – Eugenie Scott
November 2012: Ice Patch Archaeology – Craig Lee
NPS employees can access these and other webinars by going to the NPS
Natural Resources Sharepoint site at
http://sharenrss/climatechange/communication/Web%20Seminars/Forms/AllItems.aspx?RootFolder=%2Fclimatechange%2Fcommunication%2FWeb%20Seminars%2FPresentations%2C%20PowerPoints%20and%20References&FolderCTID=0x0120007233FB21D9669D4EB108D21F8E5C36A2&View={C1570174-66AA-4C9B-B642-0BE9B3D95FCD}<http://sharenrss/climatechange/communication/Web%20Seminars/Forms/AllItems.aspx?RootFolder=%2Fclimatechange%2Fcommunication%2FWeb%20Seminars%2FPresentations%2C%20PowerPoints%20and%20References&FolderCTID=0x0120007233FB21D9669D4EB108D21F8E5C36A2&View=%7bC1570174-66AA-4C9B-B642-0BE9B3D95FCD%7d>
Non-NPS employees can access the webinars by contacting Melanie Woods,
Program Assistant, NPS Climate Change Response Program, at
[log in to unmask]
*Training Offered for Petrographic Analysis for Conservation*
The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) and The
Center for Historic Architecture and Design (CHAD) in the University
of Delaware
are partnering to host a two-day hands-on workshop on the uses of polarized
light microscopy (thin-section petrography) for the study of stone and
ceramic cultural materials. The workshop will be held March 26-27, 2013 at
the NCPTT in Natchitoches, LA.
Thin-section petrography is a crucial tool for the study of ancient and
historic objects and building materials. The technique is used to identify
materials and their possible sources, understand production technology and
object functions, study deterioration mechanisms, and assess
preservation strategies
and conservation treatments.
The workshop will begin with an introduction to polarized light microscopy
for identifying minerals. Subsequent sessions will focus on analysis of
cultural materials made of stone, pottery, terracotta sculptures, bricks,
tiles, and clay core materials from bronze castings.
The lead instructor for the workshop is Dr. Chandra L. Reedy, a professor in
CHAD and director of the laboratory. The workshop is open to 20
participants. Preservation professionals, including conservation
scientists, conservators, and archeologists, will benefit from this
workshop. Students studying or interested in conservation are welcome.
The cost of the workshop is $299. For more information and registration go
to the events website at
http://ncptt.nps.gov/petrographic-analysis-for-conservation-2013/
* *
*Projects in Parks: List of 2012 PiP Reports*
“Projects in Parks” was inaugurated in the *Archeology E-Gram* in July
2005. These reports are written by archeologists and help to bring
archeology to the public and generate support for Federal archeology.
E-Gram staff promote archeological park outreach by helping to develop
ideas, edit text, and upload finished stories and images to the NPS
Archeology Program website that parks can link to through their own
webpages. In 2012, we developed six Projects in Parks reports.
Congratulations and thanks to the authors who worked with us to bring
information about NPS archeology projects to our readers during 2012!
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
*The Workers Who Built the C&O Canal***
The Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal is one of the most intact and
impressive surviving examples of the American canal-building era.
Construction began on July 4, 1828; on its completion in 1850, the canal
stretched 185 miles from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. The
untold stories of the lives of the workers that constructed the canal have
the potential to add another dimension to the C&O Canal’s historical
significance.
*by Jason Shellenhamer *
*Adapted by Christine Oricchio, Intern, Archeology Program, WASO*
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Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
*Hawaiian Presence at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site*
This paper discusses Native Hawaiians at nineteenth century Fort Vancouver,
and explores the material evidence of their lives. Fort Vancouver, as the
colonial “Capital” of the Pacific Northwest in the 1820-1840s, supported a
multi-ethnic village of 600-1,000 occupants. A number of the villagers were
Hawaiian men who worked in the agricultural fields and sawmills of the
Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) operations. Identification of Hawaiian
residences and activities has been an important element of studies of Fort
Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver, Washington, since the 1960s.
*By Douglas C. Wilson, NPS and Portland State University*
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George Washington Birthplace National Monument
*Archeology of George Washington’s Birthplace***
Modern historical archeology, albeit in its most rudimentary form, had its
earliest beginnings at George Washington Birthplace National Monument 130
years ago and has continued, growing in scholarship and method through the
20th and 21st centuries. Much of this archeology, under the stewardship of
the National Park Service, has made significant contributions to both the
prehistoric and historical archeology of the Chesapeake region.
*By Andrew Edwards, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation,
Society for Historical Archeology*
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Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
*Mapping an Armory Grounds Tailrace at Harpers Ferry National Historical
Park*
*By *Harpers Ferry NHP archeology program is involved in an ongoing
investigation of the Lower Armory Grounds. This land contains the remains
of the second national armory commissioned by the United States in 1798.
One such feature is the tailrace tunnels. In 2011, park archeologists
obtained permission from the NPS and gained access to a tailrace tunnel.
The investigation has revealed a number of unique and unusual features that
facilitate a more complete understanding of the organization of the armory
workshops and management of the sources of energy for manufacturing arms.
* By J.P. Ebersole, Archeologist, Harpers Ferry NHP*
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Moores Creek National Battlefield
*New Archeological Discoveries at Moores Creek NB***
A recent NHPA compliance project at Moores Creek National Battlefield,
North Carolina, offered archeologists an opportunity to verify whether the
1776 Battle of Moores Creek actually took place within the national
battlefield boundaries. NPS archeologists and resources managers conducted
an archeological survey with the help of the Eastern North Carolina Metal
Detecting Association and other volunteers.
*From an article by Dr. Chris Fonvielle Jr., Historian at University of
North Carolina, Wilmington. *
*Adapted by Christine Oricchio, Intern, NPS Archeology Program*
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Vicksburg National Cemetery
*Archeologists Locate Graves at Vicksburg National Cemetery***
While preparing a grave site for a rare burial of a World War II veteran at
the Vicksburg National Cemetery, workers were dismayed to find that the
plot was already occupied by a casket. There was neither a headstone nor a
record of interment to suggest that the plot was occupied. National Park
Service (NPS) staff at Vicksburg promptly began efforts to identify
additional unmarked and unrecorded burials, and sift through decades of
archives to identify the unknown soldiers.
*From an article by Jim Burnett. *
*Adapted by Christine Oricchio, Intern, Archeology Program, WASO*
To date, a total of 66 “Projects in Parks” reports have been presented
through the *Archeology E-Gram*. To access the entire PiP List, go to
www.nps.gov/archeology/sites/npsites/index.htm.
* *
*Archeology E-Gram*, distributed via e-mail on a regular basis, includes
announcements about news, new publications, training opportunities,
national and regional meetings, and other important goings-on related to
public archeology in the NPS and other public agencies. Recipients are
encouraged to forward *Archeology E-Grams* to colleagues and relevant
mailing lists. The *Archeology E-Gram* is available on the *News and
Links *page
www.nps.gov/archeology/public/news.htm<http://www.nps.gov/archeology/public/news.htm_>on
the NPS Archeology Program web site.
*Contact*: Karen Mudar at [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]> to contribute news
items, stories for *Projects in Parks*, and to subscribe.
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