Hi Carol, Ken, and Histarchers

This is a very timely email for me, since I was just contacted
by a producer with the History Detectives in regard to the
site of  my dissertation research—Chicago’s Jackson Park.  She
wanted me to identify some items in their possession—artifacts
that two boys dug up from the park in the 1980s—because they
are doing a show about the architecture of the 1893 World’s
Columbian Exposition (which took place there).  She stated
that these two boys loved the 1893 Fair and did some research
on it before setting out to dig, implying that this enthusiasm
made it okay for them to loot the site.  Along with the
pictures of several very large pieces of ornamental cast
concrete (most likely part of the Germania Building, according
to the Chicago Park District historian), they sent me a map
with x’s marking the spots of the discovery—almost like a
treasure map.  Needless to say, the artifacts in their
possession belong to the Chicago Park District, and were
obtained through illegal means.

I responded with information about the ethical and legal
concerns with publicizing and implicitly authorizing and
encouraging this sort of behavior.  (I also let her know that
during our excavations we located the intact remains of one of
the Fair buildings if she wanted to see provenienced materials
and the sorts of additional information that can result from a
systematic archaeological excavation.)  

I have not received any further contact from the History
Detectives.  I remain concerned that the people behind this
show—though well-intentioned—may aid in the destruction of
some archaeological sites.

I would proceed very cautiously in any dealings with them.

Best,
Rebecca


---- Original message ----
>Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:49:41 -0600
>From: Carol McDavid <[log in to unmask]>  
>Subject: query re "History Detectives" TV show  
>To: [log in to unmask]
>
>Hi (with apologies for crossposting to two lists),
>
>I'm writing on behalf of all of us who are involved with the
Levi Jordan Plantation Historical Society.
>
>Ken Brown, who excavated the site, recently got an inquiry
from the History Detectives TV show about featuring an
artifact from the Jordan Plantation on the show.
>
>Obviously there are terrific PR opportunities here, but we
have some concerns as well.  So we would like to have more
background on the show to use as we discuss idea with the
site's current owners, and with our board (and some of those
individuals are on these lists). Neither of us watches the
show (I admit it, my leisure-time TV tastes run more to CSI,
Bones, and scifi)....so my question is two-fold ... 
>
>what do you think about the show?
>
>also, if you have worked with the show yourself, would you
have insights to share?
>
>Send comments off list if you prefer!
>
>thanks in advance for your help! All advice happily taken on
board!
>
>Carol (and Ken)
>
>******************************************
>Carol McDavid, Ph.D.
>Executive Director, Community Archaeology Research Institute,
Inc. (CARI)
>Director, Yates Community Archaeology Project
>Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Houston
>Adjunct Assistant Professor, Rice University
>1638 Branard
>Houston, TX 77006
>www.publicarchaeology.org
---------------------------
Rebecca S. Graff
PhD Candidate
Department of Anthropology
University of Chicago
1126 East 59th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
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