Another opinion on "diggers" shows from Ann Early, Arkansas State
Archaeologist.
I also watched both shows. Yuck.
One item I noticed was that the protagonists made significant note
that some of their loot was going to Museums; one associated with the
Montana prison and another set in downtown Charleston. There was film
of a representative of the latter identifying and buying some of the
loot from the plantation adventure.
These institutions may be museums in name only, but this act, like
the 'disclaimer' at the end of the program advising others to know
about relevant laws (not to respect them, mind, just to be aware of
them) give another whif of legitimacy to the silliness.
I checked, and the 'museum' behavior in both episodes violates the
code of ethics of the American Association of Museums respecting
collections activities. Two points seem relevant, promoting public
good instead of individual gain, and "acquisition, disposal, and
loan activities are conducted in a manner that respects the
protection and preservation of natural and cultural resources and
discourages illicit trade in such materials". The two museums shown
in these episodes might not give a flip, but maybe the AAM does.
So, museums potentially get a black eye here, and museum directors
may find more metal detector folks on their doorstep asking for cash.
That would extend to VIC in State Parks, and NPS facilities here in
Arkansas too, if past experience is any guide.
If the AAM doesn't know about this program, seems to me they ought to
be informed. It wouldn't hurt having the museum world involved in
responses to this and the other two (now) programs.
And, just briefly, my thought about 'Scavengers' is to have a talk
with people at the National Trust. Looting old buildings is not
something the Trust would encourage, and since there are two Trust
advisors in each state, usually associated with state level historic
preservation advocacy groups, that is another national level
organization with local affiliates that could speak about its
concerns here too.
The broader any alliance that archeologists might be able to muster
outside our own discipline, the more effective any of our activities might
be.
Ann Early
Arkansas State Archaeologist
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