It's a pity we didn't get a chance to meet in KC. I was there too, working
for the Corps at the time.  Actually, the Corps and the SHPOs of KS and MO
were instrumental in converting those folks. But, don't get me wrong, I
still am having to deal with treasure hunters. In fact, I just helped to
kill a project that would have employed their ilk as shovelbums. Really,
though, you should see what's happened to the whole Arabia project since
then. Lots of research has come out of this. Sometimes you have to play the
hand you're dealt. Stop in on one of your cross country trips.

John Dendy
Fort Riley, KS

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ron May [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Friday, November 15, 2002 12:43 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Re: Keep or discard bottle contents?
>
> John,
>
> I know they are curating things, but they approached the project seeking
> treasure and their video films, shots of the guy drinking out of an old
> champagne bottle on the deck of the boat, and lack of archaeology field
> technique make them treasure hunters in my book. What happened is an
> amazing conversion after the discovery to make them very successful in
> turning the discovery in a positive light. Following the SHA Conference in
> Kansas City about 9 years ago, a SHA committee looked into whether or not
> SHA should offer help..and concluded they should not. Sorry, but I cant
> get behind it.
>
> Ron