Greetings,

I guess it is my turn.

My name is William McAlexander and while I rarely contribute, I've
observed from the abyss for over 10 years.
My B.A. degree is in anthropology and history from the University of
Arkansas at Fayetteville.  Back in the 1980s 
archaeology there was all prehistoric.  I received my M.A. in Public
History from the University of Arkansas at
Little Rock.  The path I chose was an emphasis on architectural history
and archaeology.  Due to thesis research 
on the Ashley mansion site and other early nineteenth century sites
around here, I have a good grounding in 1800-1850 
ceramics.  I've worked in the museum field (briefly), institution,
private CRM firm, and mostly government CRM.

Here at the Arkansas Highway Department, I've compiled an internal
document on ceramics I've encountered for use by 
my fellow archies.  Most people will know me as the weirdo who is trying
to get archaeologists to think of aerospace 
culture and material as something not only for historians to study.
While my area of interest is in WW I era airfields,
I've compiled a small library and contacts of other facets of this
sub-discipline.

With a lot of work being done on older airfields, when it comes to
aircraft hangers do not forget to check bridge truss 
systems for clues and types.  Both are spanning open space.  Also in
addition to checking here or with me for information, 
do not forget to inquire with the Society for Industrial Archaeology.
Some of their members did research back in the mid 1980s.


William E. McAlexander Jr.
Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department
Environmental Division
10324 Interstate 30
P.O. Box 2261
Little Rock, Arkansas 72209
(501) 569-2078
[log in to unmask]