About 30 years ago *Notes and Queries* surveyed American anthropologists to ask for their definitions of "culture." I would like to follow up with an equally unscientific poll of HISTARCH subscribers, and others, to gather a little "data" for an upcoming SHA symposium. I would like to know if the culture concept is a meaningful one to historical archaeologists today, including those who studied within, and beyond, the U.S.-Boasian anthropology tradition. So, here's my question: Do you, as an historical archaeologist (or interested onlooker) use the concept of culture to organize or inform your research and/or interpretations? If "Yes," please give me a short definition of culture (or, if you prefer, an extended essay! I'll be sure to cite your response.). If "no," a simple "no" will do, unless you care to elaborate. If you want to comment at some length about this, then please feel free to post your answer to HISTARCH; otherwise, PLEASE sned your answer directly to my e-mail address (below), so we don't clog up the network with stuff nobody else wants to read. My address is:[log in to unmask] Your help is much appreciated. Dan Mouer