May 2005 Archeology E-Gram
Archeology Program launches new webpages.
The Archeology Program is pleased to announce “The Public Benefits of
Archeology” <http://www.cr.nps.gov/aad/PUBLIC/INDEX.HTM>, which offers
different segments of the public a unique perspective on their professions
and daily lives. This webpage offers a start to educators, museum
professionals, community planners, forensic specialists, historians, and
ecologists who might not ordinarily think about archeology as a resource.
Through narrative scenarios, case studies, and additional reading, visitors
to the webpage can learn about ways that archeology can benefit them.
Contact: Barbara Little, [log in to unmask]
Two new webpages for public and professional audiences discuss federal laws
pertaining to archeology. Archeology Law and Ethics
<http://www.cr.nps.gov/aad/PUBLIC/publicLaw.htm> explains, without jargon,
important information that the public needs to know before visiting federal
lands that have archeological resources. Archeology Laws: A Guide for
Professionals <http://www.cr.nps.gov/aad/tools/laws/index.htm> gathers
significant statutes and explanatory articles together to guide
professionals through the laws in a non-technical manner.
Contact: Terry Childs, [log in to unmask]
Scottish colleague visits Cultural Resource programs.
Dr. Ian Baxter, Lecturer in Heritage/Tourism (Division of Management),
Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, and Associate Director of the
Caledonian Heritage>Futures Network, presented “Developments in Heritage
Management in the UK and Scotland” on May 3, 2005, at 1201 Eye Street. Dr.
Baxter is researching the development of historic environment auditing and
heritage policy in western European nations and the U.S. He visited the
U.S. on a 2 week study tour to examine the role of the NPS in cultural
resource management, and to examine American approaches to teaching and
researching about cultural heritage management. Dr. Baxter met with
representatives of the following programs: Social Science, Archeology,
Heritage Areas, and the National Register of Historic Places.
Contact: Barbara Little, [log in to unmask]
AAM session on the centennials of the Antiquities Act and AAM
A session entitled Common Ground: AAM and Antiquities Act–1906-2006 and
Beyond was held at the annual meeting of the American Association of
Museums (AAM) in Indianapolis on May 3, 2005. The AAM and the Antiquities
Act, both created in 1906, share a common goal of properly caring for
archeological collections
The Antiquities Act and subsequent federal and state legislation led to
various relationships among museum professionals, archeologists,
anthropologists, Native peoples, and the general public. We need to focus
these relationships on the proper curation and interpretation of the shared
cultural heritage of the country. The centennials of the Antiquities Act
and the AAM offer an opportunity to discuss issues of concern to all openly
and in a productive environment, and to affirm commitments to proper
curation and interpretations of our shared heritage. The two centennials
offer a time to reflect on the accomplishments and changes in the past 100
years; to assess the current status of archeological collections management
and public interpretation; and to challenge ourselves to leave a legacy
that resolves today’s pressing issues.
The session focused on the historical connections between the Antiquities
Act and proponents of American museums and the current challenges facing
archeologists and museum experts. Presenters examined developments
throughout the 20th century and considered needs to meet 21st century
challenges. The session was organized by Ann Hitchcock, Chief Curator,
National Park Service, who also chaired the session and made introductory
remarks. Other presenters included: Marjorie Schwarzer, Associate
Professor, Department of Museum Studies, John F. Kennedy University; Frank
McManamon, Departmental Consulting Archeologist, Department of the
Interior, and Chief Archeologist, National Park Service; Joe E. Watkins,
Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico;
and Robert Breunig, Director, Museum of Northern Arizona.
Abstracts for the individual presentations will be posted on the
Antiquities Act webpage of the NPS Archeology Program website.
Contact: Frank McManamon, [log in to unmask]
Sentencing in ARPA Case, Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military
Park.
On August 14, 2004, Kevin Patterson was apprehended while relic hunting in
the Spotsylvania Courthouse Battlefield by NPS Ranger Ryan Levins.
Patterson had 10 Civil War era artifacts, a metal detector, and digging
equipment in his possession. Rangers identified a total of 12 separate
sites that Patterson had excavated. An archeological damage assessment was
conducted, which placed the archeological value at $6,147.14 and the cost
of restoration and repair at $2,506.25. The commercial value of the
artifacts was placed at $20. Patterson pled guilty to a misdemeanor ARPA
violation on March 7, 2005, in federal district court, Alexandria,VA. He
was sentenced to a year of limited probation. Patterson is to pay the park
$1,597.00 in restitution. He has also purchased advertising in a local
newspaper to publish a looting prevention message.
Contact: David Tarler, [log in to unmask]
USFWS Cultural Resources program website.
The new US Fish and Wildlife Service Cultural Resources program website was
launched in March 2005. The site offers information on many facets of the
cultural resources program at USFWS, as well as archiving past issues of
Historical Happenings. Visit the site at
http://historicpreservation.fws.gov.
Contact: Eugene Marino, Eugene [log in to unmask]
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 National Park Service and other public agencies.
Recipients are encouraged to forward Archeology E-Grams to colleagues and
relevant mailing lists and new subscribers are accepted. Contact Martha
Graham, Archeology Program, NPS, at (202) 354-2110, [log in to unmask]
|
