Friday, February 29, 2008

Berkeley and NAGPRA, More Sites Lost to Growth

Southwestern Archaeology Making the News - A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology

- California Senate Subcommittee to Examine Berkley's NAGPRA Compliance: A committee of the California State Senate will today examine the University of California Berkeley's elimination of a department that had helped tribal members prove their right to ownership of collection items at its Phoebe Hearst Museum of Anthropology. Hundreds have been protesting since last fall the disbanding of a department that had overseen the repatriation of ancestral items under the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096416700

- Growth "Gobbling Up" Ranching Heritage Sites Near Tucson: Still, word of the 14-square-mile development holds little surprise. Urban growth already has gobbled up big chunks of his other ranch land southeast of Tucson. "They're all close to town, that's where all this kind of development is occurring," Martin said. "It doesn't happen way out in the country." Ranching near cities and towns has advantages and disadvantages, Martin said: Ranchers have no trouble selling land that is in high demand, but encroachment can displace ranchers prematurely.
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/fromcomments/227165.php

- Reminder: Arizona Archaeology Expo this Weekend at the Arizona State Museum features the AAHS Book Sale, lecture by Wes Bernardini and panel discussion with Paul and Suzanne Fish, Randal McGuire and Elisa Villapondo
http://www.cdarc.org/page/j76s - Arizona Republic

- Large Archaic Cemetery Excavated in California: Archaeologists have removed 174 sets of human remains from a controversial housing development under construction in Huntington Beach, bolstering claims that it was a significant prehistoric Native American settlement. Dave Singleton, program analyst for the California Native American Heritage Commission, said 87 sets of remains were removed before Hearthside Homes broke ground on its Brightwater development near the Bolsa Chica wetlands in June 2006 and 87 more since then.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/c6kl - LA Times. Site may require login/registration

- Generous Donation Allows National Trust for Historic Preservation to Expand Programs: The National Trust for Historic Preservation is using a $5 million donation to boost support to its state and local partners nationwide, officials said Wednesday. The gift by the Robert W. Wilson Charitable Trust will help fund myriad needs - from providing more resources to protect historic buildings to better educating the public to prepare for natural disasters.
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/02_27-47/REG

- Employment Opportunity: Manager, Passport in Time (PIT) Program: The PIT Program Manager is responsible for maintaining the day-to-day aspects of the PIT program. Duties include maintaining a new PIT Website, creating and distributing electronic newsletters, and maintaining the newsletter email list and program database, as well as processing volunteer applications, notifying applicants of their application status, and coordinating with PIT project leaders. This position has been modified from the previous listing and is now classified as a full time, permanent position.
http://www.cdarc.org/sat/pit.pdf

- Employment Opportunity: The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art seeks a dynamic individual to serve as Curator of Native American Art, History, and Culture. At a minimum, applicants must have a master’s degree in ethno history, anthropology, art history or other relevant fields and significant museum experience with substantial engagement with Native peoples and organizations. They must have demonstrable expertise in Native North American art, material culture and history. The person in this position will manage the Native American Department, actively develop and interpret the collection of cultural objects, lead the institution in maters related to NAGPRA, manage work with the Native American Advisory Council and serve as liaison with Native American individuals, communities, and organizations. In leading the department, they will also be an effective team member engaged with all levels of the institution. The successful applicant must be a skilled communicator and active contributor to the field through publications and presentations. The person hired will be in a position to recruit and hire an assistant curator to support their efforts. All resumes and references should be sent to: iteljorg Museum, Attention: HR Manager, 500 West Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 or emailed to personnel@eiteljorg.com or faxed to (317) 275-1430 by April 4, 2008.

Thanks to Dr. Jackson Underwood for contributions to today's newsletter.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Threats to Nine Mile Canyon, Arizona Archaeology Expo Events

Archaeology Making the News - A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology

- Nine Mile Canyon - Loosing a Treasure for Very Little in Return: My heart sank when I picked up the paper and read "Nine Mile Canyon at risk" above a photo of this Utah treasure. I had already read stories on rapid oil and gas development in northeast and central Utah, but this particular story brought back a flood of memories and drove home just how far we seem willing to go for 17 short days worth of natural gas to feed our growing demand.
http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_8346177

- Mount Taylor Preservation Efforts Focus Upon State Register Nomination: The state Historic Preservation Division says a committee has agreed to an emergency listing of Mount Taylor in the State Register of Cultural Properties
http://kob.com/article/stories/S356399.shtml?cat=504

- Video Presentation on Excavation of Tucson's National Cemetery. KUAT presents an on-demand video presentation on one of the largest cemetery excavations to have ever taken place in North America.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/j698 - KUAT Television

- New Leadership at Colorado Historical Society: The Colorado Historical Society has filled three key positions: Mr. William J. Convery III, State Historian; Ms. Jill Cowperthwaite, Director of Development; and Ms. Sheila Goff, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Liaison.
http://denver.yourhub.com/Denver/Stories/Faces-of/Story~431376.aspx

- Cameron Arizona, Cultural Crossroads: Trading posts in the Southwest were historically gathering places, economic bridges between ranchers, Native American artisans, and passing traders. That spirit continues at the Cameron Trading Post. Founded by brothers Hubert and C.D. Richardson in 1916, the trading post now comprises a modern hotel with Southwestern decor, RV park, restaurant, gift shop, gallery, and gardens, but it remains a place for cross-cultural interaction.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/74u2 - Boston Globe

- Archaeological Damage Assessement Class Offered at Mesa Verde: Archaeological Resource Investigations (ARI) has scheduled an offering of the firm’s five-day advanced Archaeological Damage Assessment Class in Dolores, Colorado, Monday, April 7 through Friday, April 11, 2008. The National Park Service (NPS) at Mesa Verde National Park will be the sponsor for this class. Information on the class location, lodging and logistics is provided as part of this announcement.
http://www.cdarc.org/sat/arpa.doc - MS Word Document

- Class in Photography for Cultural Heritage Professionals Offered by NPI & National Trust for Historic Preservation: The National Preservation Institute, a nonprofit organization founded in 1980, educates those involved in the management, preservation, and stewardship of
our cultural heritage. The 2008 National Preservation Institute seminar schedule is now available online at www.npi.org. The 2008 NPI News Release includes
the calendar and seminar descriptions.
http://www.npi.org/NewsRelease2008.pdf

Arizona Archaeology Expo This Weekend (March 1 & 2) at the Arizona State Museum.

-- Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Expo: Saturday and Sunday, March 1–2, 2008
9–4 p.m. Free and open to the public. After 7 years, ASM is again the proud host of this wonderful annual celebration. Enjoy two full days of educational and interactive displays and activities related to Arizona’s rich past and present. A used booksale hosted by the Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society, book signings, lectures, tours, food, and much more round out the festivities. Teachers can earn professional development hours. No need to pre-register: simply sign in at the Learn About Tent for a teacher resource packet and certificate, as well as a Archaeology Expo Discovery Map.
http://www.statemuseum.arizona.edu/public/index.shtml#expo

-- The Arizona Archaeology Expo Sponsorship: The Archaeology Expo is sponsored by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Arizona State Parks, and the Governor’s Archaeology Advisory Commission. The Arizona State Museum (ASM) is host and partner for the highlight event for 2008 Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month (AAHAM). Many other partners will be joining together to present a varied Expo format offering two days of educational, hands-on archaeology programs to the public. Audio Updates and more information at:
http://www.azstateparks.com/text/calendar.html#march

-- Tucson Presidio Annual Brunch: We will be dining in the Courtyard of the reconstructed historic Presidio. At 11:00 a.m., a delicious brunch catered by El Charro Café will be served followed by an informative and entertaining presentation on “Laws and Outlaws in Territorial Days” by Robert Clark. Mr. Clark has spoken numerous times on a variety of subjects but is especially fond of history because of the many colorful characters and interesting stories.
Reservations Required, a $25 fee will benefit the Presidio Trust for Historic Preservation.
http://www.cdarc.org/sat/presidio_invitation.doc - MS Word Document

-- Center for Desert Archaeology Partners with the AZ LIVE Lab and the Arizona State Museum to Present the Pottery Project in Three Dimensions. Visitor's to the Arizona Archaeology Expo will have the opportunity to explore an immersive virtual reality display of based upon the virtual vault, part of an effort to digitize and interpret the State Museum's new Pottery Vault. A display of Southwestern Ceramics in Time and Space, as well as an Ancestral Puebloan Village will be displayed in the AZ LIVE immersive digital display environment. Sign up for tours of this program in the Pottery Vault Gallery at the Archaeology Expo.

-- Arizona State Musuem Library Benefit Booksale, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday, ASM south uilding. This very popular annual booksale is hosted by the Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society. Save on USED Southwest books, magazines, journals and more. Proceeds benefit the ASM Library. ASM and AAHS members admitted one hour early on Saturday for best selection!

-- Archaeology Expo Lecture Opportunity Mesoamerican Style and Symbolism in Hohokam Architecture and Artifacts, Saturday, March 1, 2008 11 a.m. at Arizona State Museum, room 309. A panel discussion with Randall McGuire (Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University), Elisa Villalpando C. (Centro Sonora, Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia), Suzanne Fish (Arizona State Museum) and Paul Fish (Arizona State Museum). This is one of a series of lectures pertaining to the museum's upcoming travel tour TUCSON, TULA & TLAXCALA: 4,000 Years of Cultural Interaction, June 2008. This lecture series is made possible in part by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council and is designated a "We the People" project by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

-- Lecture Opportunity: Hopi History in Stone: The Tutuveni Petroglyph Site, 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. Wesley Bernardini from the University of Redlands discusses his research and documentation of Tutuveni, the famous petroglyph site on the Hopi Salt Trail. This lecture celebrates the publication of the 200th volume in the Arizona State Museum Archaeological Series. Lecture takes place at the Center for English as a Second Language (CESL) auditorium, one building east of ASM north. Enjoy a post-lecture reception at ASM.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Fate of the Anasazi, Ancient Environmental Impacts

Southwestern Archaeology Making the News - A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology

- WSU and Crow Canyon Examine the "fate of the Anasazi:" Using computer simulations to synthesize both new and earlier research, a team of scientists led by a Washington State University anthropology professor has given new perspective to the long-standing question of what happened more than 700 years ago to cause the ancestral Pueblo people known as the Anasazi to abruptly end their 700-year-long occupation of the now-famous cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde and other nearby communities in southwestern Colorado.
http://www.salem-news.com/articles/february192008/anasazi_2-19-08.php

- Ancient Human Environmental Impacts in the Americas: University of Tennessee ecologists Paul and Hazel Delcourt argue in their new book, Prehistoric Native Americans and Ecological Change, that we have underestimated the varied impacts American Indians have had on the natural environment the past 15,000 years.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/fmwt - The Columbus Dispatch

- BLM Anasazi Heritage Center, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Receive National Trust for Historic Preservation Award: The Bureau of Land Management’s Anasazi Heritage Center and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument received the prestigious National Trust/Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Award for Federal Partnerships in Historic Preservation. The AHC and the Monument near Dolores, Colo., were among 21 national award recipients recognized during a weeklong National Preservation Conference last fall.
http://www.peoplelandandwater.gov/blm/blm_02-11-08_blms-anasazi-heritage.cfm

- Extraordinary Field School Opportunity on B.C.'s Beautiful Coast: Simon Fraser University and Tla'Amin First Nation are launching the first year of collaborative investigations in the context of the SFU Summer Field School in Archaeology and Heritage Stewardship. Focused on the spectacular Sunshine Coast and the Malaspina Complex, in the heart of Tla'Amin First Nation Territory north of Vancouver, this will be the first concerted effort to integrate the archaeology of this understudied region with Tla'Amin oral traditions and land/seascape knowledge. For students, the 15 credit hour program provides full training in archaeological survey, mapping, excavation, and lab procedure, as well as close involvement in descendent community engagement in exploring, enhancing, and applying knowledge about Tla'Amin lands and heritage. Student application review commences on March 10.
http://www.sfu.ca/archaeology/fieldschools/2008_malspina.html

- Lecture Opportunity (El Paso): February 21, 7:30 PM El Paso Archaeological Society Lecture Karl Laumbach will present "Pueblo Migrations in the Southern Southwest: Perspectives from Arizona and New Mexico" by Karl Laumbach and the Center for Desert Archaeology's Jeff Clark. Recent investigations in the San Pedro Valley of southern Arizona have provided compelling evidence on a regional scale of two successive migrations from the Ancestral Pueblo homeland into the eastern borderlands of the Hohokam World. Concurrent investigations in the Rio Alamosa drainage of west central New Mexico have suggested two successive migrations from the Ancestral Pueblo World into the northern Mogollon World at approximately the same intervals. This paper compares and contrasts data used to detect migrants as well as the timing, tempo, social scale, and ultimate impact of population movement. Similarities and differences between the case studies have methodological and theoretical implications for migration studies that extend beyond the Southwest. El Paso Museum of Archaeology in the auditorium, 4301 Transmountain Rd, El Paso, Texas.
http://www.epas.com/newsletter.htm

- Position Announcement: Diné College is seeking an innovative, energetic Anthropology instructor to join the Tsaile, AZ campus in Fall 2008. Candidates must have recent experience with public archaeology and/or CRM as well as the ability to teach cultural anthropology. Ability to teach additional subject areas, especially Sociology and/or Political Science, strongly preferred. ABD or Ph.D. in Anthropology or related field preferred; M.A. required. For additional information, contact Emily Jones at ejones@dinecollege.edu or at 928-724-6624. A detailed position description, including information on how to apply, is available at
http://www.dinecollege.edu/ics/community

- Employment Opportunity at Arizona State Museum: ASM / AZSITE is looking for a part time Research Technician - 23 hours a week, classified staff, ETE. This is an extended temporary position, at least 6 months work at 23 hours a week. Primary work is doing GIS research via AZSITE, ASM Site Files and the ASM Library and Archives. Job requires use of ArcGIS9.x, MSAccess, MSSQL & 7.5' maps to complete the work. You can read the position through the UA human resource website, you will need to search for job number: 40232. https://www.uacareertrack.com/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1203358898564

Monday, February 18, 2008

Gas Drilling Impacts Nine Mile Canyon, Digging the Gault Site

Southwestern Archaeology Making the News - A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology

- Gas Well Drilling Threaten Nine Mile Canyon: Eastern Utah's Nine Mile Canyon holds more than 10,000 known American Indian rock-art images. But they may be no match for 800 gas wells. A Denver-based energy company's proposal to drill at least that many wells on the West Tavaputs Plateau threatens the thousand-year-old Anasazi ruins, where dust and chemicals are already corroding peerless rock art.
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_8280063

- Archaeology of the Gault Site: I'm crouched in a hole, raking a trowel over a one-meter-square patch of clay, hoping the next clump of dirt will expose something incredible, like a prehistoric arrowhead. Instead, there's just more clay, which I scrape into shavings the color of dark chocolate. A few snail shells liven up the mix, but otherwise nothing but dirt and stone.
http://www.statesman.com/life/content/life/stories/other/02/17/0217dig.html

- 20,000 Year "Layover" Scenario Proposed for the Peopling of the New World: The first New World entrants, who likely came from Asia, endured a 20,000-year "layover" on a strip of land called Beringia that once connected Alaska to Siberia, according to a new research model. The model combines genetics with climate, archaeological and geological information to paint a vivid picture of how the Americas were first populated by approximately 1,000 to 5,000 people, instead of just 100, as was previously believed.
http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/02/13/beringia-native-american.html

- Gila Cliff Dwellings Reopened with a Temporary Bridge: Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Superintendent Steve Riley announced today the opening of Gila Cliff Dwellings after two and a half weeks of closure. New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) completed temporary repairs to the flood damaged West Fork bridge on February 14, 2008. These repairs are not permanent and are vulnerable to future floods. However, they will allow access to the cliff dwellings, Upper and Lower Scorpion Campgrounds, TJ and Woody’s Corrals while NMDOT plans future repairs.

- Archaeology Society of New Mexico Offering Scholarship for New Mexcian Anthropology Students: The Archaeological Society of New Mexico (ASNM) has extended the deadline for accepting applications for the ASNM Scholarship Awards for the 2008-2009 academic year to March 31, 2008. The amount of the ASNM Scholarship Award varies from $100.00 to $500.00. Applications are restricted to full time students attending one of the following academic institutions: Eastern New Mexico University, Highlands University, New Mexico State University, San Juan College, and University of New Mexico. Applicants are limited to junior, senior, and Master's degree students in any of the fields covered by the term "anthropology." Students demonstrating a financial need and an anthropological thesis or approved project relevant to the greater southwest will be considered. Further information and application is available at:
http://newmexico-archaeology.org/text/scholarship.htm

- Lecture Opportunity (Tucson): Ancient Burial Practices at the Yuma Wash Hohokam
Archaeological Site” by Bioarchaeologists John A. McClelland & Jessica I. Cerezo
Román. 7:30 p.m, Old Pueblo Archaeology Center auditorium, 5100 W. Ina Road, Bldg. 8,. Old Pueblo Archaeology Center’s recent excavations at the Yuma Wash archaeological site, a Tucson-area Hohokam Classic period (A.D. 1100-1450) settlement, revealed a diverse range of burial practices including primary inhumation, primary cremation, and secondary cremation.

- Lecture Opportunity (Tucson): Steve Lekson Presets "A Millennium on the Meridian: Chaco Meridian Revisited. Presented as part of the Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society Meeting, Tonight (Feb 18) at the Duval Auditorium, Arizona Health Sciences Center, 1501 N Campbell Ave.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

California Museum Raids Yield New Mexican Artifacts, Galisteo Basin Updates

Southwestern Archaeology Making the News - A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology

- Raids on Southern California Museums Lead to New Mexican Looting: A ceramic pot and a 1,000-year-old ladle looted from New Mexico's El Malpais National Monument are among the stolen artifacts identified in a five-year federal investigation into the smuggling of Asian and American Indian antiquities. Dozens of federal agents raided a Los Angeles gallery and four museums in Southern California, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, searching for artifacts taken from protected archaeological sites in Thailand, Myanmar, China and New Mexico.
http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_8224541

- Galisteo Basin Update, Tecton Energy Plans Lawsuit: Tecton Energy, which is seeking to drill for oil in the Galisteo Basin, lambasted Santa Fe County officials Wednesday for considering a yearlong drilling ban and said it is considering its legal options. The Houston company said in a news release that it feels the county and state "struck a huge blow to a key source of state revenue" with their recent actions aimed at delaying oil and gas development in the region. The statement also raises questions about the legality of the proposed ban, which must be discussed in two more public hearings before becoming law.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/blfm - Santa Fe New Mexican

- Community Reaction to Tecton Plans: If Tecton were to begin drilling for gas and oil in the Galisteo Basin, the "takings" would be our groundwater aquifer, our property values, our health, our safety, the destruction of our cultural-historical archaeological heritage, our fiscal and economical engine, and be a public nuisance. Tecton is only leasing oil & gas minerals. Tecton has not demonstrated that there is viable oil & gas development in the Galisteo Basin from those leases. Tecton has not demonstrated that there would be "a huge blow to a key source of state revenue."
http://drillingsantafe.blogspot.com/

- Gila Cliff Dwellings to Honor Aldo Leopold: Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Superintendent Steve Riley announced today an upcoming event to honor Aldo Leopold. Saturday, March 8, 1:30 – 3:30 pm at the Gila Visitor Center Readings from A Sand County Almanac and 25% off Leopold books. Leopold, an early 20th century author, teacher, and conversationalist -- was instrumental in the 1924 establishment of southwestern New Mexico’s Gila Wilderness. The first weekend in March has been declared “Aldo Leopold Weekend” in his home state of Wisconsin where communities read his book A Sand County Almanac aloud from cover to cover.

- Apache Ancestors Series Continues in Eastern Arizona Courier: Weeks passed before our men returned from their trip into Mexico (to our camp near present-day Cedar Creek). Again, our women folk prepared food for another social gathering in celebration of the warriors’ safe return. These warriors traded such things as medicine plants, mescal, deer/elk hides, antlers and baskets for bullets, tarps and clothing. They also raided for horses and mules, but the favorite trading goods were Mexican playing cards (still being played in present-day Bylas by the older folks).
http://www.cdarc.org/page/6vzd - Eastern Arizona Courier

- Heard Museum West to Honor Local Donors: Heard Museum West in Surprise has received generous gifts from residents in Surprise and the Sun Cities, and the museum will recognize these donations in its newest exhibition, "Gifts From the Community." The exhibition opens April 12, and will continue through Oct. 12.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/el8r - Arizona Republic

- Nevada's Desert Research Institute Garners Substantial Support: A Reno couple has pledged $100,000 over four years to the Desert Research Institute to buy equipment for its archaeology lab. DRI officials say the gift from Tom E. and Mary Kay Gallagher will allow the lab to identify biological and archaeological materials such as hair, charcoal and bone.
http://www.ktvn.com/Global/story.asp?S=7855207

- Call for Papers "All Trails Lead to Santa Fe:" Historically, the theme of “All Trails Lead to Santa Fe” chronicles the historical evolution of how Santa Fe became the great southwestern city that it is. Metaphorically, “All Trails Lead to Santa Fe” is about connecting historical and cultural values from prehistoric to modern times with the many stories about the people whose lives shaped the epical history of Santa Fe. The History Task Force Committee for the 400th Commemoration on the Founding of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Essays should reflect original scholarly research based on primary, archival sources and must not have appeared previously in another publication. Manuscripts are accepted in either English or Spanish. Authors should submit three hard copies of the manuscript as well as a diskette containing the manuscript in Microsoft Word format or another PC compatible software. A copy of the author’s curriculum vitae is appreciated.
http://www.santafenm.gov/civicalerts.asp?nid=1

- Corrected URL for Texas Beyond History exhibit:
http://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/trans-p/

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Digging Taos, Texas Beyond History, Jim Ayers Honored

Southwestern Archaeology Making the News - A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology

- Digging Taos with the SMU Archaeological Field School: For hundreds of years the beauty and mystery of Taos, New Mexico, have lured thousands of settlers and visitors, from the ancestors of the Taos and Picuris Indians and Spanish settlers to skiing enthusiasts and artists. Now students participating in SMU's Archaeology Field School have answered the call of Taos in their own way. In summer 2007 they began work on the first phase of a research project that will bring together University faculty and students, Taos community leaders, private landowners, and local, state and federal government agencies. The multifaceted undertaking will involve surveying on foot and through satellite and Google Earth images, as well as archival research and excavation.
http://blog.smu.edu/smumagazine/2007/12/digging_archaeology_taos_proje.html

- Excellent New Website Examines the Prehistoric and Early Historic Peoples of the Trans Pecos Mountains and Basins: These new online exhibits trace the archeological and ethnohistorical record of the native peoples of the region over 13,300 years and share some of the scholarly information and cultural treasures with the wider world. It is a permanent addition to TBH and one that creates a framework suitable for adding new content as it becomes available. Key Elements include major exhibits on Prehistory, Historic Native Peoples, Artistic Expression, Nature's Harvest, Patterns of the Past, Kids Activities, and Teaching Resources, as well as separate multisection site exhibits on: Hueco Tanks, Madera Quemada, Junta de los Rios, Cueva Pilote and El Paso Missions and Settlements.
www.texasbeyondhistory.net/st-plains/

- Oil Exploration threatens Nine Mile Canyon Rock Art: A plan to drill 800 wells in eastern Utah is moving forward — and threatening a canyon that's often called "The World's Longest Art Gallery." In 2004, we wrote about the BLM's efforts to stifle an agency archaeologist who raised the alarm about the damage that energy development could inflict on the stunning rock art of Nine Mile Canyon and the West Tavaputs Plateau (see our story here).
http://blog.hcn.org/goat/2008/02/06/a-dust-up-over-energy-development/

- James Ayers Wins SHA Honors: Jim Ayres has studied millions of archaeological artifacts during his 43-year scientific career. His work helped show that notorious Colorado cannibal Alfred Packer was a murderer. Ayres served as director of the Tucson Urban Renewal archaeological excavation project from 1967-1971. The Society for Historical Archaeology in Rockville, Md. awarded Ayres its J. C. Harrington medal for lifetime achievement at the group's 41st annual conference Jan. 11 in Albuquerque, N.M.
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/local/75904.php

- Museum of Northern Arizona sets Summer Festival Schedule: At the base of the San Francisco Peaks―an integral part of the Colorado Plateau's spiritual landscape―the Museum of Northern Arizona's four festivals highlight the region's cultures and encourage communication and the exchange of ideas between visitors, educators, and artists. Art, music, performances, and Heritage Insights presentations, together, create cultural understanding and a forum for dialogue. The following festivals will be included in the 2008 Heritage Program.
http://www.gatewaytosedona.com/article/id/1675/page/1

- New Mexico State University Seeks Input on Historic Preservation Plan: Building a future by preserving the past is the target of a public meeting to discuss plans to preserve New Mexico State University's architectural heritage. NMSU's Facilities Planning and Construction Department is inviting Las Cruces and surrounding-area residents, the media and the campus community to provide input on the preservation plans, which will be presented from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 12, at William B. Conroy Honors Center on the historic Horseshoe at the main campus of NMSU.
http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_8185912

- Land Disposition and Looting: You see this red color? This is federal land," Bureau of Land Management archaeologist Linda Farnsworth said as she swung her pencil over the Four Corners area — a plateau where Colorado, Utah, Nevada and New Mexico meet. "And the white color is private land." It could have appeared inconsequential, had these limits not marked an invisible front line in a clash between culture and vandalism, public good and private greed, law abidance and crime. "Yes, the same thing done on public and private land could mean the difference between ending up in jail and walking out scot-free with plenty of money in your pockets," Ms. Farnsworth added with a sad smile.
http://washingtontimes.com/article/20080208/CULTURE/800954550/1015

- New Play Dramatizes founding of Tucson: Tucson-Roscommon Sister Cities is proud to announce it is sponsoring a cultural exchange in the form of a theatrical production written and produced in Ireland about the founding of Tucson.
http://www.cdarc.org/sat/oconor.doc - MS Word Document

- Correction - Dallas Preservation Link:
Http://www.cdarc.org/page/haxr - SMU Daily Campus.

- Employment Opportunity: The Office of Contract Archeology seeks to fill Archeologist (crew chief) and Archeologist Crew Member positions for data recovery projects beginning this spring. Excavations along US 491 north of Gallup, NM, will include nine sites dating from the Early Archaic to Pueblo II periods and will last four months. Other excavation projects are set along the Rio Grande Valley and near Roswell. Work also will be available at the OCA laboratory. The positions will be posted on the University of New Mexico’s official job listings website https://ejobs.unm.edu/jobHome.cfm

Thanks to Brian Kenny for Contributions to today's newsletter.

Monday, February 4, 2008

"Set in Stone" opens at ASM, Invasive Weeds at Aztec Ruin

Southwestern Archaeology Making the News - A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology

- "Set in Stone" Exhibit Opens at the Arizona State Museum: A new exhibit at the Arizona State Museum titled "Set in Stone" might be of interest to our modern-day purveyors of Chinese jade, Colombian emeralds, Afghan lapis, Russian amber and New Zealand opal. They are the descendants, in tradition if not lineage, of the maritime shell traders, copper bell casters and turquoise miners who established the earliest gem trade centuries before Europeans arrived in the Southwest. They created art forms still mimicked in contemporary jewelry design.
http://www.azstarnet.com/accent/223227

- Salt River Project Adding Interpretive Signage to Historic Phoenix Basin Canals: The canal system is part of the Valley’s history, Lane said. He said it has been around for almost a century. The first canals were made by the Hohokam people and they were smaller and built by hand, Lane said “The canals we have today are much larger, but they follow roughly the same contours,” he said.
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/107748

http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/223027

- Invasive Weeds Threatening Aztec Ruin: Invasive species like salt cedar and Russian olive are a hassle wherever they grow, taking over a habitat and choking off other growth. But when their victim is an ancient monument, wild plant growth is more than inconvenient. The Aztec Ruins National Monument staff wants to tackle plant control, and they want your help. "If we don't address the issue it will just get bigger," Park Ranger Terry Nichols said. "It's a losing battle ... some growth from one year to the next is 10 times worse than the year before."
http://www.daily-times.com/ci_8105263

- National Preservation Institute Seminars to be Held Feb 27 - 29 in Phoenix: The National Preservation Institute, a nonprofit organization founded in 1980, educates those involved in the management, preservation, and stewardship of our cultural heritage. The 2008 National Preservation Institute seminar schedule is now available online at www.npi.org. The 2008 NPI News Release includes the calendar and seminar descriptions.
http://www.npi.org/NewsRelease2008.pdf

- 2008 Arizona Archaeology & Heritage Month Events Listing: The Archaeology Expo is sponsored by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Arizona State Parks, and the Governor’s Archaeology Advisory Commission. The Arizona State Museum (ASM) is host and partner for the highlight event for 2008 Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month (AAHAM). Many other partners will be joining together to present a varied Expo format offering two days of educational, hands-on archaeology programs to the public. The Expo offers many attractions for those interested in archaeology and history. Over 35 special displays and booths by archaeological and historical organizations, museums, Native American tribes, state and federal agencies, and others will allow you to participate as an archaeologist might in their research today, or make crafts that teach how prehistoric Native Americans survived in the Southwest, or play games like the historic settlers did. Living history re-enactors, Native American demonstrators and entertainers, interactive activities, and tours of archaeology laboratories and museum collection areas and exhibits will help make the past come alive! In addition, tours of local prehistoric and historic archaeological sites will be featured.
http://www.azstateparks.com/text/calendar.html#expo

- BLM Provides Land for Center for New Mexican Archaeology: The state has acquired 25 acres in Santa Fe for a planned Center for Archaeology. Cultural Affairs Secretary Stuart Ashman has signed an agreement to transfer the site from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
http://kob.com/article/stories/S331284.shtml?cat=504

- Journalist Finds Historic Preservation in Dallas Lacking: According to the Dallas Landmark Commission's Web site, historic buildings are structures that possess any of the following properties: character; cultural, economic or social heritage; architectural style or innovation; archaeological significance; identification with a significantly historical event or person; or value as an aspect of community sentiment and pride. So it seems that the Hard Rock building didn't possess any of these merits, otherwise it would have been saved. But the Hard Rock did possess some of these merits. Actually, it possessed a lot of them. Many have asked the question (and we're going to ask it again), what is the point of having a preservation committee if it's not going to preserve anything?
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/107748

- Brian Fagan to Speak on the Rcent History of Climate Change (Santa Fe): Cathedrals, Droughts, and the Flail of God, Thursday, February 7, 2008, 7:30 P.M. James A. Little Theater, NM School for the Deaf. Global warming--we have been here before! Anthropologist Brian Fagan looks back at four centuries of warming that had a startling but subtle impact on the course of human history. Dr. Fagan will take us on a journey to times when temperatures were warm as today, harvests were abundant, cathedral building was at its peak, Genghis Kahn ruled, and drought was a constant threat. Admission is free to the public. Contact the SAR Membership Office at (505) 954-7203 or email members@sarweb.org, for more information.

- Native American Art Tours Utah: Marjorie Chan, chairwoman of the University of Utah department of geology, enjoys yard-sale expeditions. "It's a lot like geology," she says. "You don't know what you'll find, and the stories behind it are interesting." A few years ago she struck gold — a collection of more than 600 pieces of American Indian art works, mostly jewelry, collected by the late Dorothy Haslam. It's a discovery that will benefit all Utahns, from visitors to the Utah Museum of Natural History to residents of far-flung communities across the state. Last week, a selection of the treasures were prepared for a two-year jaunt through Utah.
http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695247756,00.html

- Gila Cliff Dwellings Temporarily Closed, Tours Offered of TJ Ruin: Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Superintendent Steve Riley announced today an alternative tour for visitors to the monument while road crews repair the road that leads to the namesake dwellings. Rain on January 27, combined with snowmelt from the Mogollon Mountains, caused impressive flooding along the Gila River’s West and Middle Forks. While much of the flooding has now subsided, sections of Hwy 15, including the approaches to the West Fork bridge that leads to the cliff dwellings, suffered damage. The road near Little Creek, just past the community of Gila Hotsprings, is expected to be re-opened by Saturday, February 2. At that time, the road will be open to the Gila Visitor Center. The cliff dwellings, Upper and Lower Scorpion Campgrounds, TJ and Woody’s Corrals will be closed until repairs are completed, estimated to take at
least one more month.

- Employment Opportunity (El Paso): Archaeology Museum Education Curator.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/a7b1 - PDF Job Specification.