October 2016 | HORIZON & TRADITION

SEAC OFFICERS 2016

Gregory A. Waselkov President Contents Jay K. Johnson Volume 58, Number 2 President-Elect

Edmond A. (Tony) Boudreaux III Secretary

Editor’s Note ...... 3 Kandi Hollenbach Treasurer

Nicholas P. Herrmann Treasurer-Elect President’s Letter ...... 4 Shannon Hodge Executive Officer I

News and Notes ...... 6 Janet E. Levy Executive Officer II

Elizabeth J. Reitz Editor SEAC 2016 Information ...... 8 Karen Y. Smith Social Media Editor-Elect

2016 Elections ...... 9 Patrick Livingood Associate Editor (Book Reviews)*

Eugene M. Futato Associate Editor (Sales)* From Sea Turtles to Shipwrecks: A Program to Monitor the Phillip Hodge Movement of Marine Cultural Resources in Coastal Virginia Associate Editor (Newsletter)* and Maryland ...... 13 Vanessa N. Hanvey Student Representative*

*non-voting board member Random Sample: “The Whole History of a Place.” An Interview with Jessica Crawford ...... 18 Contact Information for Officers

INFORMATION FOR SUBSCRIBERS Horizon & Tradition is the digital newsletter of the Southeastern Archaeological Conference. It is pub- Lagniappe: Election Year Special ...... 24 lished semi-annually in April and October by the Southeastern Archaeological Conference. Distribution is by membership in the Conference. Annual membership dues are $16.50 for students, $37.50 for individuals, $42.50 for families. Life membership dues are $500 Cover Photo: The image on the cover of this issue is of Prospect Hill, an antebellum for individuals and $550.00 for families. Members also house and former plantation in Jefferson County, Mississippi. It was founded by receive three issues per year of the journal Southeast- Isaac Ross in the early 19th century. In 1830, Ross and other planters founded the ern Archaeology. Membership requests, subscription Mississippi Colonization Society and planned to eventually relocate freed slaves to dues, and changes of address should be directed to the West Africa. After Ross’ death in 1836, his grandson contested the will and lived in Treasurer. Orders of back issues should be sent to the Associate Editor for Sales. the house during a long legal process. The Mississippi Supreme Court upheld the will in 1845. The plantation was eventually sold and several hundred African Americans INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS enslaved on the plantation were freed and transported in 1848 to what was called Horizon & Tradition publishes reports, opinions, current “Mississippi in Africa” on the coast of what became Liberia. The house on the cover research, obituaries, and announcements of interest to was built in 1854 to replace the original house that burned a decade earlier. De- members of the Conference. All materials should be scendants of the Ross and Wade families, among others, lived in the house until the submitted to the Associate Editor for the Newsletter. 1960s. The house and 23 acres of the plantation was purchased by The Archaeolog- Deadlines are March 1 for the April issue and Septem- ber 1 for the October issue. Submissions via e-mail are ical Conservancy in 2011. You can learn more about Prospect Hill by visiting http:// preferred. Style should conform to the detailed guide- www.archaeologicalconservancy.org/prospect-hill-plantation-mississippi/. The photo lines published in American Antiquity, Volume 57, Num- on the cover and on page 20 come from the Prospect Hill Facebook Page. ber 4 (October 1992).

CREDITS Horizon & Tradition is designed with Microsoft Publish- 2 HORIZON & TRADITION | October 2016 er 2013 and converted to PDF with Adobe Acrobat 11.0; Questions or comments should be directed to [email protected].

Editor’s Note

elcome to the October issue of Horizon & Tradi- tin’s project has wide reaching implications for the man- W tion! Inside you will find information and links to agement of marine resources and reflects yet another everything you need to know about SEAC 2016 in Ath- advance in archaeology made possible by the intersec- ens. Organizer Victor Thompson and his colleagues at tion of digital technology and crowd sourcing. the University of Georgia have put together a full program of interesting and informative symposia, plus a full Jessica Crawford with The Archaeological Conserv- slate of social events, including a kick-off event Wednes- ancy is the subject of the latest edition of Random Sam- day evening, the traditional Thursday night reception, ple, our occasional interview series. Jessica is the Region- and Friday night dance. The Student Affairs Committee al Director for the southeast region and is responsible has several events for students, including a session on for managing acquisitions and site preservation efforts in student publishing. There is also talk that this year’s seven southeastern states. We talked about a number of SEAC involves a Wild Rumpus! issues related to the Conservancy’s work in her region, but spent much of the interview focused on Prospect You will also find SEAC President Greg Waselkov’s Hill, an antebellum plantation acquired by the Conserv- letter to the Conference, where he reflects on projects ancy in 2011. Prospect Hill was an atypical acquisition, from long ago and their continuing importance for the since it had standing structures, but the Conservancy present. When it comes to archaeological sites, he en- thought it was important to preserve because of its ar- courages us to collect all the information we can, when- chaeological potential and remarkable history. As Jessica ever and wherever we can, since we never know what explained it to me, the full history of Prospect Hill is a questions or problems may arise in the future that such case where the truth really is stranger (and more tragic) information could inform or answer. than fiction. I hope you enjoy learning about Jessica’s work and the ways the Conservancy is working to preserve and Many of you have also no doubt received email no- protect archaeological sites here in the southeast. tices regarding the 2016 SEAC Election. If not, information about this year’s ballot and nominee statements Finally, this issue also officially closes out my time as are also included in this issue. The election is open this the editor of the SEAC newsletter. Sarah Bennett will be year through October 14, so you still have a few days taking over after the meeting in Athens. I would like to left to vote. The Board did not hold a spring meeting this take this opportunity to thank her for her interest and year, so there are no mid-year minutes to report. willingness to take over. I know she is going to do great in this role and I look forward to seeing where she takes As I was putting the finishing touches on this issue of the newsletter. I would also like to thank Rob Moon and Horizon & Tradition, Hurricane Matthew was churning Charlie Cobb for inviting me to take over in 2009, and slowly up the Atlantic coast of Florida. While the human the Board for their support as we updated the format, toll of hurricanes and other natural disasters take prece- appearance, and content of the newsletter in 2012. As dence during the storm and in the days after, archaeolo- almost every editor of the newsletter has said since gists and cultural resource managers have a little known 1938, the newsletter belongs to the Conference and is but important role to play in the aftermath by tracking only as good as what the membership puts into it. So, the effects of hurricanes and other coastal processes on write-up that idea you’ve been thinking about, polish that shipwrecks and marine artifacts. The feature article for short report you drafted, put opinions and editorials this issue comes from Austin Burkhard, a student at the down on paper, or organize your photos into a photo University of West Florida, who reports on a pilot pro- essay and submit them to Horizon & Tradition. Let’s keep gram he developed to track the movement of ship- this thing going! wrecks and marine artifacts. He discusses the origin of the project, the tracking process and materials, and pre- Phillip Hodge liminary results. I think you’ll be amazed when you learn Newsletter Editor just how far and how often these materials move. Aus- Send questions, comments, or letters to the editor to [email protected].

October 2016 | HORIZON & TRADITION 3

A Letter from SEAC President Gregory A. Waselkov

s I write my fourth and final president’s Their numerous substantial contributions inform A column for Horizon & Tradition, SEAC’s us still. For instance, staff members at the Na- outstanding newsletter, recent events have re- tional Park Service’s Southeast Archeological minded me of the simultaneous truth and falsity Center are revisiting Dickens’ field work at of the old saw, “Archaeologists have all the time Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, location in the world.” of Tohopeka, one of the few well-preserved Several projects from my early days in ar- Redstick prophets’ towns from the Creek War chaeology, projects I thought I’d left behind years of 1813-1814. And Shapiro’s brilliant excavation ago, have unexpectedly resurfaced in the last few of the Apalachee townhouse at Mission San Luis months. An email this spring from O’Fallon, Mis- led eventually to reconstruction of that stunning souri, invited me to attend that city’s Founder’s building, what I like to call the Superdome of the Day celebration, which featured a rebuilt version 17th-century Southeast. of a log house known as Zumwalt’s fort. Excava- I relate these reminiscences simply as a re- tion of this house site in 1975 was the first field minder that whatever we manage to do as ar- project I ever directed. My report on that site, chaeologists will have meaning to others for published as an issue of Missouri Archaeologist, ev- many years to come. So much has been lost, and idently helped to inspire the O’Fallon Communi- more losses will occur as development, looting, ty Foundation to reconstruct the old homestead and now sea level rise take a continuing terrible some forty years later. toll of our archaeological heritage. Yet whatever Another “blast from the past” appeared as an we can save through survey and excavation, pub- invitation from Barbara Heath to comment on a lication, high-tech data gathering, preservation by manuscript she posted on Academia.edu about easement or purchase or legislation, and public her long-term University of Tennessee field education will be appreciated by those who fol- school in Virginia’s Northern Neck. At the heart low us. Just as the good citizens of O’Fallon re- of the 17th-century English colonial community of built Zumwalt’s log house on stone foundations I Chicacoan was Coan Hall, home of John Mot- excavated many years ago, others will build on trom, the site of which Stephen Potter and I lo- the metaphorical foundations we create with our cated during a survey in 1976. In Virginia, as in curated collections and written interpretations. Missouri, others found value in something I’d had I’ve always viewed a career in archaeology as a a hand in many years before, long after I’d left race; there are so many threats to our past and the scene. so much to do. Archaeologists may have all the On a recent visit to Tallahassee I had a time in the world, centuries and millennia chance to reflect on the accomplishments of Roy through which to roam and marvel at the mys- Dickens and Gary Shapiro, two exceptional col- teries of the ancients. But any one of us has only leagues who left us when far too young, at the so much time; we need to make the most of it. heights of their careers in the mid-to-late 1980s. Among those who make good use of their

4 HORIZON & TRADITION | October 2016

time are the many dedicated folks who serve SEAC as officers, committee members, confer- SOUTHEASTERN ARCHAEOLOGY ence organizers, and reviewers, every one a vol- Information for Authors unteer. Editor Betsy Reitz particularly deserves our gratitude for transitioning our journal to a Southeastern Archaeology publishes: • Articles of a theoretical nature that provide novel second editorial platform in as many years after insights into a significant question or issue of inter- Maney Publishing was unexpectedly acquired by est to a wide professional readership. Taylor & Francis. Our nominations committee • Review articles such as updated regional or topical (Scott Hammerstedt, chair; Megan Kassabaum; summaries that are also designed to appeal to a Ashley Dumas) has assembled a fine slate of can- fairly wide professional readership. didates for this fall’s election to the Executive • Technical and methodological reports that are of Board. Please exercise your right as a member to regional significance, and that would be compre- vote for President-elect, Journal Editor-elect, and hensible to most readers. Executive Officer II. • Field reports whose results in terms of interpretive As we look forward to an outstanding con- content seem clearly to be of regional interest. ference this fall, and beyond to future confer- Articles should not normally exceed 10,000 words in ences in Tulsa (2017) and Augusta (2018), note length, including references. Reports should not ex- that 2019 and 2020 remain available for any of ceed 5,000 words including references. Articles must you who are keen to host a Southeastern Ar- be submitted online at www.edmgr.com/sea. chaeological Conference meeting. Hotels book conferences many years in advance, so it’s to our For an initial submission you must upload advantage to begin the selection process as early • A PDF file of the complete paper; as possible. We are always looking for new con- • OR a Word file containing the complete paper ference cities, such as Augusta, to add to our (i.e., including all tables and figures); roster of old favorites. In the meantime I look • OR a Word file containing the text, references, forward to seeing you all in Athens, Georgia in table and figure captions, plus an individual file of October. each figure and/or table, prepared to the specifica- tion laid out below. Excel files of tables can be Thank you all for the privilege to serve SEAC. submitted. The Southeastern Archaeological Conference is a remarkable organization, the best of its kind, You will be asked to input separately the title, ab- due entirely to the fine people who support and stract, and keywords for the article or report and nurture it. Long may it thrive! contact details for all authors. This information may be cut and pasted. You must also download, com- - Greg Waselkov plete, and return the author agreement. Supplemen- tary information such as datasets, animations, models or videos may be supported in online publication; consult the Editor at the time of submission to determine appropriateness. These files must be submitted offline, but you will need to indicate that an item of this type is being included in the submission.

For additional policies and formatting requirements, see “Author Information” at www.edmgr.com/sea.

October 2016 | HORIZON & TRADITION 5 NEWS AND NOTES

2017 PUBLIC OUTREACH GRANT CYCLE publishing research. A Q&A and discussion with panel- ists will follow. The Southeastern Archaeological Conference After receiving her Ph.D. from the University of (SEAC), in order to promote public awareness of ar- Georgia, Dr. Robbie Ethridge became Professor of An- chaeology in the Southeast, supports a program of thropology at the University of Mississippi. Her prima- small grants to finance public outreach projects. SEAC ry areas of research include the ethnohistory and colo- provides an annual grant of $2,000 to an applicant nial experiences of Indians of the Southern United through a competitive application process. States. Currently serving as a co-editor for two peer- Projects proposed for grant funding should pro- reviewed journals, Native South and Ethnohistory, Dr. mote public awareness of archaeology in the Southeast Ethridge will be able to provide insight into how stu- through any of a variety of educational and outreach dents should approach and engage with the publishing activities. Examples of suitable projects include teacher process. Dr. Megan Kassabaum received her Ph.D. workshops, printed material for the public, exhibits, from the University of North Carolina and currently workshops for adults or children, Archaeology Week/ serves as Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Mu- Month activities, Project Archaeology workshops, seum Curator at the University of Pennsylvania. Her Elderhostel programs, archaeology fairs, public field research focuses on monumentality and feasting in trips, or other public-oriented projects. both the Southeastern United States and specifically The competition is open to anyone in or near the the Mississippi River valley. Dr. Kassabaum’s recent traditional boundaries of the southeastern culture ar- transition to faculty member as well as extensive pub- ea, and all proposals must have some tie to the South- lishing record give her the ability to mentor students east. For purposes of the grant, southeastern states on publishing their research and collaborating with col- are defined as Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, leagues. Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South The lunch will be held on Thursday, October 27, at Carolina, and Tennessee. Border states are defined as noon, and there are 35 spots available to undergradu- Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Vir- ate and graduate students. To register, please go to ginia, and West Virginia. the SEAC SAC homepage and fill out the registration The 2017 Grant Cycle begins in fall 2016. Infor- form. If you have any questions, please contact Vanessa mation about the SEAC Public Outreach Grant— Hanvey ([email protected]). including a history of the grant, description, requirements, and a grant application—can be found on the CALL FOR PAPERS SEAC website. All submissions must be received by the committee Shell Beads of Eastern America chair no later than December 1, 2016. For additional information or queries contact Darlene Applegate, This volume will feature studies of ancient shell beads Committee Chair, Western Kentucky University, 270- from Eastern North America. Surveys and analytical 745-5094 or [email protected]. studies of the archaeological record of a site, a state, a culture, a species, or depositional pattern are sought. SEAC 2016 STUDENT EVENTS Please contact the editor to discuss your idea. The papers will be due March 15st, 2017. Examples of papers: The SEAC Student Affairs Committee will host a student luncheon at the annual meeting in Athens, GA..  shell beads from Paleoindian contexts Focusing on student publishing, lunch will be provided  a history of columella bead production to attendees by the SEAC Planning Committee. Dr.  shell beads in Texas Robbie Ethridge of the University of Mississippi and  temporal and spatial distribution of Leptoxis beads Dr. Megan Kassabaum of the University of Pennsylvania  shell beads from Ozark rockshelters will offer advice on choosing an outlet for publishing, as well as submitting, editing, and co- Editor Cheryl Claassen, [email protected] 6 HORIZON & TRADITION | October 2016

NEWS AND NOTES

STANLEY SOUTH STUDENT hands-on activities for each different display, by prehis- ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH FUND toric/historic time period, appealing to both kids and adults, as well as glass floors to see archaeological fea- Stanley South was a larger-than-life figure that tures right on the real Neolithic site, and a reconstruc- played a prominent role in the field of historical ar- tion of prehistoric houses outside next to the exposed chaeology for nearly 60 years. His passing on March real house patterns and hearths. 20, 2016, brought to an end a life and career filled with Sessions I attended included worldwide compari- scholarship and accomplishment. sons of burial mounds and tombs, global prehistoric To honor his many years of work, the South Caro- and historic urbanization processes, digital methods, line Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology Bronze Age horses and riders, colonial archaeology (SCIAA) established the Stanley South Student Archae- and migration (who knew there were Irish colonists in ological Research Fund to support undergraduate and 19th–century Australia who maintained their traditional graduate student research in archaeology by University lifeways, architecture, and religion?), and indigenous of South Carolina students. Contributions can be archaeologies of many countries. The Gala Dinner fea- made online, or by check or money order (please mail tured foods in several ethnic styles, including Japanese to SCIAA—Stan South Fund, 1321 Pendleton Street, delicacies (octopus arms, diverse types of fish, shochu University of South Carolina, Columbia SC 29208). For [whiskey made from sweet potatoes and grains]). Sev- more information, please contact SCIAA at (803) 777- eral southeastern U.S. archaeologists attended, reach- 8170 ing a wide audience with their work. Opportunities for expanding archaeological knowledge and connections WORLD ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONGRESS, while having a blast are always numerous at WAC, and KYOTO, JAPAN, AUGUST 28 - SEPT. 2, 2016 support for students to attend is available. Since meetings are held every 4 years, there is time to save up for The World Archaeological Congress, now 30 years the next one, WAC 9, in Prague. You can see the old, recently held its 8th meeting in Kyoto, Japan, at WAC 8 meeting program at http://wac8.org/general- Doshisha University. Attendees numbered over 1600, program/ and learn of this fascinating professional or- including many students, and came from 83 countries ganization at http://worldarch.org/ to share research and public archaeology, emphasizing the roles of environmental change, global and local pol- AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC itics, and social justice in the practice of archaeology. EDUCATION The inch-thick, 3.5-lb program included numerous sessions within 15 themes (heritage management, devel- This award recognizes excellence in the sharing of opment on indigenous lands, postcolonial archaeology, archaeological information with the general public and ethics, museums, repatriation, migrations, urbanism, is designed to encourage outstanding achievements in comparative regional archaeology, theory, archaeologi- public engagement. The 2017 award will be presented cal sciences, gender, religion and spirituality, disaster in the Media and Information Technology category; the archaeology, art and archaeology, war and conflict, to award will emphasize how nominees used print and/or name a few). Besides receptions and plenary lectures, online media to educate and increase public awareness. participants could attend tours of Japanese historic This category recognizes outstanding programs or castles, burial tumuli, museums, and other sights/sites, products that reflect collaborative initiatives that en- enjoy special art/archaeology exhibitions, and see on- gage diverse communities. going excavations in the path of government construc- Potential applications and nominees who feel their tion in downtown Kyoto, complete with artifact display work is eligible should contact the committee in early and workers troweling away in front of the backhoe. November to solicit guidance. For more information The Hyogo Prefecture museum of archaeology, an about how to submit a nomination packet, please email hour west of Kyoto, was the best integration of re- Jayur Mehta at [email protected]. search and public outreach I have ever seen, with October 2016 | HORIZON & TRADITION 7 SEAC 2016 73nd ANNUAL MEETING October 26—29, 2016 Athens, Georgia

WELCOME TO ATHENS

Welcome to wild, wonderful, weird Athens! We are excited to have the 73rd annual Southeastern Ar- chaeological Conference meeting in Athens, Georgia known as “The Classic City of the South”. This year the conference will be held at the Classic Center located in the heart of downtown Athens from Oc- tober 26th-29th. Athens is known for its hip music scene, fantastic bars, distinctive vibe, and good (inexpensive) food. Check out VisitAthensGa.com for more information about Athens. Official and current conference information is available on the SEAC website or the conference Facebook page at www.facebook.com/seac1conference.

HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER

We are excited to offer four different hotels with reduced room rates ranging from $114-$142. Book fast as each hotel only has a certain number of rooms available at a reduced rate. All four are within walking distance to the Classic Center. Click HERE for information and availability for each hotel.

REGISTRATION

Advanced registration for those not presenting papers/posters is October 20, 2016. ON-SITE REG- ISTRATION fees will be $10 more than the costs listed below, unless otherwise noted. Please contact Bryan Tucker at [email protected] if you need registration assistance.

 Regular member: $100  Student member: $60  Tribal member: Free  Non-member: $130  Student non-member: $65  Guest non-archaeologist: $25 (On-site only)

8 HORIZON & TRADITION | October 2016

ELECTIONS

2016 SEAC ELECTION NOMINEE STATEMENTS

The 2016 Nominations Committee has identified President-Elect two candidates for the position of President-elect (a two-year term, followed by a two-year term as Pres- Janet E. Levy ident): Janet Levy and Tom Pluckhahn; one can- didate for Editor-elect (a one-year term, followed by Ph.D., Washington University a three-year term as Editor): Mary Beth Trubitt; - St. Louis, 1977; B.A. Brown and three candidates for Executive Officer II (a two- University, 1971. year term): Jen Birch, David Morgan, and Ben Steere. The nominations committee members were Although I participated in Scott Hammerstedt (Chair), Meg Kassabaum, and archaeological projects in Ashley Dumas. If you have any questions, please con- western Kentucky while in graduate school at Wash- tact SEAC president Greg Waselkov, ington University (St. Louis), I started my career as ([email protected]) or Secretary Tony an Old World archaeologist, focusing on northern Boudreaux ([email protected]). Europe. I retooled as a southeastern archaeologist when I came to UNC Charlotte as an assistant pro- Election Dates: This year’s election will be held fessor in 1980: the only professional archaeologist September 9-October 14, 2016, by electronic ballot. for 50 miles in any direction. (Luckily, that has Paper ballots are no longer being mailed out to changed). In interests of transparency, you should members. Note that Family and Family Life members know that I will retire from UNCC in December are entitled to two votes and their ballots will be 2016; this will allow me to turn my energies to much counted twice. more enjoyable projects with SEAC, rather than writing more 5‐year plans and assessment rubrics. I Please take the time to vote! If you have any attended my first SEAC meeting in 1981 in Asheville, questions about the election procedure, contact NC. My main interests are the development of social SEAC Secretary Tony Boudreaux complexity, gender, and representation in archaeolo- ([email protected]). gy. I maintain a strong commitment to the value of comparative archaeology in expanding our understanding of the past of our species. I also have a strong commitment to supporting SEAC as a “big Voting is open until tent” organization. I think one of our strengths is incorporating academic archaeologists, CRM, muse- October 14, 2016. um, and government archaeologists, serious avoca- tional archaeologists, community members, and students with a broad range of interests. I have served Check your email, in the governance of the Archeological Division of find your ballot, the American Anthropological Association (division president) and of the Society for American Archae- and vote! ology (board member; later Secretary), and I was a department chair for 7 years. I have also been an organizer for two SEAC meetings in Charlotte (2003

October 2016 | HORIZON & TRADITION 9 ELECTIONS and 2008), and recently served on SEAC’s board. I experience in CRM, having worked as a field techni- have also served on Ethics Committees for both the cian for many firms, a Project Archaeologist for AAA and the SAA. These experiences inform my Southeastern Archaeological Services and Brocking- goals for SEAC: to maintain intellectual rigor and ex- ton and Associates, and as Consulting Archaeologist citement in publications and meetings; provide men- for Fort Stewart Military Reservation (through toring to students; provide outreach to the diverse Southern Research Historic Preservation Consult- communities throughout the Southeast who are ants). Now, as a professor in an academic depart- stakeholders in archaeology; maintain SEAC’s fiscal ment with a strong applied and public focus at a Re- stability and grow its resources for a future which search 1 university, I balance research with consulta- may require professional management; support effi- tion, advocacy, and education. I am Principal Investi- cient management of the organization; and, support gator on two regional centers of the Florida Public conservation of archaeological resources in our re- Archaeology Network, as well as Vice President of gion. I am honored to be nominated for the position the Florida Archaeological Council. of President of SEAC and would work hard to serve My previous service to SEAC has given me a effectively. good understanding of the responsibilities of the President and the work of the organization generally. Tom Pluckhahn I grew to understand the Board as an Executive Of- ficer. Later, as the Journal Editor, I worked with oth- Ph.D., University of Geor- ers to make much needed improvements to our web gia, 2002; M.A., University site and to create the position of Social Media Editor. of Georgia, 1994; B.A. Uni- I also managed much of the transition to Maney Pub- versity of Georgia, 1988 lishing (now Taylor and Francis), a move that has presented some challenges but also many opportunities. I attended my first SEAC has undertaken a number of important ini- SEAC as an undergraduate tiatives in recent years. If elected President, I would in 1987, fresh off a field endeavor to expand our ongoing efforts to collabo- school. Those were heady times for someone just rate with descendant communities, to attract mem- entering the field, with work at various de Soto and bership from under‐represented groups, and to sup- other Spanish sites in full swing. But perhaps not sur- port our student members. Regardless of the out- prisingly, my main memory is of the dance, fueled come of the election, however, I am honored to be that year in Charleston by a concurrent wine con- asked to continue service to the organization that vention and the archaeo‐band Slant 6. If the fun of has meant so much to me. field school had not already convinced me to become an archaeologist, SEAC certainly cinched the Editor-Elect deal. Almost thirty years later, as an Associate Profes- sor at the University of South Florida with a Ph.D. Mary Beth Trubitt from the University of Georgia, SEAC remains the professional organization to which I identify most strongly. Ph.D., Northwestern Uni- Indeed, like many of us, I think of SEAC as more of a versity, 1996; M.A., North- community of friends than a professional group. western University, 1989; My career has prepared me to represent much B.A., Oberlin College, 1981. of the diversity of our community. I have extensive

10 HORIZON & TRADITION | October 2016

ELECTIONS

I am an archeologist for the Arkansas Archeolog- Southeast in 2011 to take up a postdoctoral fellow- ical Survey (a unit of the University of Arkansas Sys- ship in the Department of Anthropology at the Uni- tem) and a Research Professor in the Department of versity of Georgia. I was hired as an Assistant Profes- Anthropology, University of Arkansas. Based at the sor in 2013 by the same department at UGA. While Survey’s Henderson State University Research Sta- my primary area of archaeological expertise is in the tion in Arkadelphia since 2000, I conduct research, archaeology and history of Northern Iroquoian soci- teach anthropology courses at HSU, and work with eties of the Lower Great Lakes, my research inter- members of the public on historic preservation in ests are driven by the desire to understand the rela- Arkansas. My research interests include craft pro- tionship between the lived experiences of individuals duction and exchange, social complexity, and the ar- and communities and broad‐scale macroregional chaeology of households and communities in eastern processes, including settlement aggregation and geo- North America. I have published articles in Southeast- political realignment. ern Archaeology, American Antiquity, North American In 2013, I initiated two long‐term research pro- Archaeologist, Journal of Archaeological Research, Caddo jects in the Southeast. One considers the settlement Archeology Journal, and Arkansas Archeologist. Recent dynamics of the Late Woodland‐to‐Early Mississippi- projects have resulted in a co‐authored book, Caddo an transition in Georgia. The other is aimed at un- Connections: Cultural Interactions within and beyond the ravelling the occupational history of the large Missis- Caddo World (Rowman & Littlefield, 2014), the sippian community centered upon Singer‐Moye, a “Arkansas Novaculite: A Virtual Comparative Col- multi‐mound center in the lower Chattahoochee lection” website (http://archeology.uark.edu/ River valley. I have taught field schools at Singer‐ novaculite/), and an edited festschrift, Research, Moye since 2013. That field school has evolved into Preservation, Communication: Honoring Thomas J. Green SMASH—the Singer‐Moye Archaeological Settle- on his Retirement from the Arkansas Archeological Sur- ment History Project. SMASH endeavors to involve vey (Arkansas Archeological Survey, 2016). I am cur- field school students in the goals and research design rently finishing a co‐authored book on quarry land- of the project such that they are involved in articu- scapes for Oxbow Books’ American Landscapes se- lating research questions, placing excavation units, ries. I also serve SEAC as chair of the Patty Jo Wat- analysis, interpretation, and presentation of results. son Award Committee, and sit on the editorial Last year, our students presented four posters at boards of Journal of Texas Archeology and History and SEAC and we expect to contribute at least that Caddo Archeology Journal. many this year. It would be an honor to serve as Executive Of- Executive Officer II ficer II for SEAC. I have previously served as Vice President of the Canadian Archaeological Associa- Jen Birch tion (2012‐2014) and on the board of the Ontario Archaeological Society (2008‐2010). I would be in- Ph.D., McMaster University, terested in furthering SEAC’s interests and visibility Ontario 2010; M.A., Carleton through relations with other regional and national University, 2006; B.A., Trent organizations. Other areas I would be interested in University, 2003. pursuing in my role as Executive Officer II include promoting undergraduate involvement in SEAC and Originally from Ontario, facilitating workshops on navigating the job market Canada, I relocated to the for undergraduate and graduate students.

October 2016 | HORIZON & TRADITION 11 ELECTIONS

David Morgan Ben Steere

Ph.D., Tulane University, Ph.D., University of 2003; M.A. University of Georgia, 2011; B.A., Alabama, 1992; B.A., Wake Forest University, Millsaps College, 1988. 2003.

I am the Director of the I am an assistant pro- National Park Service’s fessor of Anthropology (NPS) Southeast Archeological Center (the “other” at Western Carolina University. My research is fo- SEAC). I am the lead archeologist for the 66 national cused on household archaeology, domestic and mon- parks located in the Southeast and Caribbean, and I umental architecture, and the archaeology of the Ap- serve on cultural resources advisory committees palachian Summit. I have worked in academic posi- within NPS at both regional and national levels. One tions since earning my Ph.D. in 2011, but I also have of my duties is to help ensure that NPS participates experience working as a field technician and field di- in a robust network of partnerships with other stew- rector on cultural resource management projects ardship stakeholders including non‐profits, manage- with TRC, Inc. I attended my first SEAC meeting a ment firms, universities, and state and federal agen- decade ago, and last year I became a Life Member cies. Outside NPS I am active within numerous pro- and began serving on the Public Outreach Grant fessional organizations and serve on a committee for Committee. With experience in academic, profes- the Society for Historical Archaeology (technology), sional, and public archaeology, I would bring a broad, on a committee for the International Council on Ar- inclusive perspective to issues that concern our chaeological Heritage Management (membership), members, and several years of relevant experience and on an advisory board to an academic historic serving on university committees and organizing local preservation program. My prior employment in- and state-level public archaeology events. I am par- cludes duties in grants administration, technology ticularly eager to help the conference continue to research, cultural resources management, and uni- tackle sexual harassment and gender discrimination versity teaching. My research in the last decade has in our discipline, increase participation by un- dealt primarily with the terrestrial and maritime ar- derrepresented communities, and advance archaeo- chaeology of the Trans‐Atlantic slave trade, with a logical knowledge in the Southeast. I get more excit- focus on the processes of creolization. The South- ed for SEAC each year than I do for the ACC Bas- eastern Archaeological Conference taught me what ketball Tournament, and for somebody who grew up archaeological professionalism has to offer. It was along Tobacco Road, that’s saying something. I care the first conference I ever attended (1994), the first deeply about our organization and will work hard to professional body I ever joined, and I have been for- help it prosper. tunate to be able to attend nearly every meeting since my initial one in Lexington. I learned what ar- If you didn’t receive a ballot or have trouble chaeology was about from SEAC, and what archaeol- voting, contact SEAC Secretary Tony Boudreaux ogy ought to be about in terms of professionalism, ([email protected]). Remember, voting closes collegiality, collaboration, and tradition. In many ways October 14, 2016. it is my professional home. I would be honored to serve the Conference and its members.

12 HORIZON & TRADITION | October 2016

FEATURE

From Sea Turtles to Shipwrecks: A Public Program to Monitor Marine Cultural Resources in Coastal Virginia and Maryland

By Austin Burkhard, University of West Florida

ssateague Island is a small changes daily, but storms and oth- Hurricane Sandy occurred in A barrier island off the coast er meteorological phenomena can the fall of 2012 and was one of of the Maryland/Virginia state line occur that produce larger than the most damaging and detri- that stretches 37 miles in length. usual shoreline changes. Hurri- mental storms to ever ravish the At the southern portion of As- canes in particular can produce Eastern Coast of the United sateague Island is a smaller island strong winds and ocean currents States. Days after the hurricane that is seven miles in length, that cause larger than usual shore ended, Fish and Wildlife staff at Chincoteague Island. Assateague erosion and redeposits sand. In- the Chincoteague National Wild- and Chincoteague are the start of creases in sea-level and storm life Refuge (which comprises a series of barrier island chains surges will also introduce more Chincoteague Island and the that stretch from Maryland to the erosion with possible new inlets southernmost portion of As- Outer Banks in North Carolina created on the island if shore ero- sateague Island) surveyed their and onward to Florida. Barrier sion is severe enough. beaches to access the damage and islands by definition are small strips of land that run parallel to the main coastline. They are created and altered by wave and wind action and, because they are ever-changing, navigation through and around these islands and treacherous waterways has his- torically been a difficult task. Due to the dynamic behavior of barrier islands, hundreds if not thousands of ships have met their de- mise along barrier island coast- lines. Chincoteague Island is no exception. As such, Chincoteague is a prime location for the public to encounter shipwrecks and artifacts from shipwrecks that come ashore or are uncovered in moving sand. Barrier island morphology

October 2016 | HORIZON & TRADITION 13 FEATURE found something interesting—a large debris field containing doz- ens of disarticulated shipwreck timbers, historic shoes, and bot- tles (right). Here’s where I come in. I was hired as an intern in the summer of 2013 as a marine archaeological technician to develop and implement a shipwreck tagging program to track the degradation and movement of shipwreck timbers over time through public participation. In order to get the program started, I discussed the program with marine archaeologists and other professionals, including two other shipwreck tagging programs along the east coast. The main concern they expressed was the Refuge staff examining historic ship debris after Hurricane Sandy. durability of their tagging materials due to exposure from harsh oceanic conditions and ultraviolet sun degradation. I then contacted the Marine Biology department at the University of West Florida and worked with them to develop a Plexiglas tag similar to tags used in tracking sea turtles. The tag is composed of two pieces of UV resistant Plexiglas with a piece of Mylar waterproof paper in- between (right). The Plexiglas is then sealed with a chemical solu- tion to melt the pieces of Plexiglas together. One of the major fea- tures of the tag is the addition of the quick response (QR) code located in the center of the tag. The QR code provides interaction between the public user and the Example of tag used for the Shipwreck Tagging Program. archaeologist.

14 HORIZON & TRADITION | October 2016

FEATURE

I set up an experiment to ployed in 2013, I have found that merous archaeologists to figure make sure the tags were the best conventional plastic tags faded and out what collectively we would all fit for exposure to oceanic and warped quickly. The Plexiglas tags like to see in terms of data collec- UV elements. The experiment have held up better so far. The tion. For the “tagging/identification” consists of three shipwreck tim- one big question I had during this component, the first paperwork I bers which were deployed with experiment was whether the QR created was a “tagging and identifi- varying types of tagging materials code would still work after pro- cation” protocol. This document and tagging attachment methods. longed exposure to these ele- explains in great detail how to iden- All three timbers were originally ments, and so far it does. tify a shipwreck timber and then placed in three different locations The Fish and Wildlife Service how to properly affix tags onto the — sand dunes, intertidal waters, program at Chincoteague Nation- shipwreck timber. Once a tag was and submerged zones — which al Wildlife Refuge has two basic deployed, information was en- would encounter three varying components: a “tagging/ tered onto the tag documentation levels of oceanic and ultraviolet identification” component and a form. This data sheet includes general information such as overall dimensions, GPS coordinates and tag number; however, it also includes specific information ship construction such as fastener material, fastener patterns, and whether the fasteners are ma- chine made or hand hewn. To be used in conjunction with the data sheet, instructions were created to explain how to appropriately fill out the “tag documentation form”; this provided diagrams of specific attributes to look for to help to fill out the document. At the program’s inception, a wreck tagging workshop was held to train 25 volunteers to properly identify, document and affix tags One of the experimental specimens being documented in the dunes. to untagged shipwreck timbers Here it is faced with strictly ultra-violet degradation. when they are encountered on the beaches. Chincoteague Refuge exposure. I have been systemati- “tracking the tag” component. In staff and interns have also been cally documenting the positions of order to get the program up and trained. To date, all the forms are these timbers and tags as well as running, I needed to create nu- still in use by refuge staff, interns photographing the tags to moni- merous documents in order to and select volunteers from the tor their durability throughout the have uniformity within the pro- public who have been through the experiment. Since they were de- gram. Again, I worked with nu- training program.

October 2016 | HORIZON & TRADITION 15 FEATURE

public beach season. The beach is closed for several months for wildlife conservation during bird nesting season. Even with this re- striction, throughout the program’s history, hundreds of submissions have been received which have created some fascinating movement data. The specimen shown at left is tag number 67. This timber was first tagged in September of 2014 and is approx- imately 3 meters long. It moved a year later at least 40 meters to its Timber 67 was originally tagged in September 2014. In a two year period it moved 106 miles from where it was tagged. Its last location in February of 2015. Dur- reported location was near Corolla, North Carolina. ing this past winter, Chincoteague was ravaged with numerous harsh The second component of the As we all know, archaeologists storms. I received a submission in program was “tracking the tag”. do not get the opportunity to go January of 2016 which indicated A common activity on all beaches out into the field as much as they that the timber now lies in Corol- is beachcombing. When a mem- would like. This program gives a la, North Carolina. As pictured ber of the public walks along the unique opportunity for the ar- below, the shortest line I drew beach and finds a tagged ship- chaeologist to visually see how wreck timber, they can scan the shipwreck timbers/sites change QR tag with their smartphone. over time and also how they Once scanned it takes the user to move. Essentially the public are an online reporting form. This the eyes and ears in the field. If form asks for general information something seems astray with a regarding the tagged timber but site or the data received, an ar- also gives the user the unique abil- chaeologist can then react and go ity to upload GPS coordinates and out into the field to quickly work. pictures. When the user submits The sites and timbers being the form, I get an email notification tagged also help protect the cul- regarding the submission. The form tural resources. The presence of gets placed into an online database the tag will educate the public that where I can easily analyze the data. I the piece of wood is actually a then send a response back to the shipwreck timber. Since the tim- user regarding when their timber ber is also tagged for a scientific was originally tagged, how far it has study, there will be less of a moved (if it has), and also attach an chance that someone would tam- original picture showing how the per or remove the resource. timber has changed. Chincoteague has a unique

16 HORIZON & TRADITION | October 2016

FEATURE from Chincoteague to the GPS over 100 miles. How far could a results to determine if this site coordinates I received just out- timber/wreck move in 200 years broke up, whether it moved, and side of Corolla was 106 miles in when it first sunk? It is possible if it did, where to? As stated nu- distance. The timber could have that one of the disarticulated piec- merous times throughout this ar- traveled a further distance than es of shipwreck I encountered on ticle, this program is a public driv- this. This shipwreck timber Chincoteague could be from fur- en program where the public is crossed the mouth of the Chesa- ther North. essentially gathering the data for peake Bay! This example was the Throughout the program’s us. The Fish and Wildlife staff has largest movement south I have history, we have been lucky also trained their staff members seen; however, I have a few other enough to tag a few shipwreck and interns as well as public vol- examples which have moved vary- sites within the intertidal/beach unteers at the refuge. In the fu- ing distances southward. A com- zone at the Chincoteague Nation- ture, I am hoping to hold more mon thought has been that disar- al Wildlife Refuge. This gave us a training sessions and public out- ticulated shipwreck timbers which unique opportunity to track the reach programs to continue sharing our maritime history with the public which will ultimately help obtain the main goal of expanding the program over a larger geo- graphic area. Overall, the shipwreck tagging program for the Fish and Wildlife Service at the Chincoteague Na- tional Wildlife Refuge has been a great success and pilot program to illustrate an effective and effi- cient method for documenting, protecting, and monitoring cultural resources in the intertidal/ beach regions.

Have an informal report, article, Google Earth image illustrating the straight-line distance between the Sep- or editorial? Email Sarah Bennett tember 2014 location and its last recorded location in January 2016. about publishing it in the SEAC Newsletter. occur on the beaches are from a integrity of the site over time as wreck breaking up just offshore. well as monitor site formation Throughout my program and data processes. One particular site collection so far, I do not believe which was tagged was completely this to be the case. Over the inundated this past winter due to course of two years, one ship- one of the winter storms this past wreck timber was able to move season. We are still waiting for

October 2016 | HORIZON & TRADITION 17 RANDOM SAMPLE

“The Whole History of a Place”

An Interview with Jessica Crawford

By Phil Hodge, SEAC Newsletter Editor

Jessica is the Regional Director for the Southeast Regional Office of The Archaeological Conservancy. She is a graduate of the University of Mississippi, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s in Anthropology. A native of Mississippi, she has worked for the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and has been in her current position since 2006. She is a member and former president of the Mississippi Archaeological Association.

PH: I want to start with Prospect seemed like such a long shot. It had great Southern gothic. I told Ian Hill. The Shantybellum blog said everything going against it. A difficult, Brown that peacocks living inside that “Jessica Crawford has her reclusive owner; thousands of dollars crumbling antebellum houses in the heart and soul invested in saving of work; located in one of the most middle of nowhere is the sort of thing it.” What is it about Prospect Hill economically depressed counties in that happens only south of the Yazoo that’s pulled you in? one of the most economically de- River in the bluffs of Mississippi. pressed states in the country. People JC: Prospect Hill made me feel the are moving away, not coming in, and PH: That’s practically the most way many people feel when they see few have the time or money to buy Southern Gothic thing I’ve ever a once beautiful place falling into and restore a crumbling reminder of heard! Do you find yourself gravi- ruin. It had the vines all over it, the a not so glorious past. Prospect Hill tating toward long shots and un- leaning columns, the whole thing. I is the ultimate underdog. And, of derdogs in your work with the also knew its history: the antebellum course, there’s Isaac. Conservancy? owner’s will leaving instructions to allow his slaves the choice to make PH: Who’s Isaac? JC: Really, in my region, the seven the journey to what is now Liberia to southeastern states, the majority of live in the colony started by the Mis- JC: Isaac is the peacock who was archaeological sites are long shots sissippi Chapter of the American Col- left alone at Prospect Hill for about and underdogs. With large areas in onization Society or stay and be sold ten years when the previous owner cultivation, agricultural practices put in family groups. His grandson con- abandoned the house. He sits on the many sites in danger. There is also tested the will for nine years, there porch and is the ultimate reminder the lack of legal protection for ar- was a fire, believed to have been that there can be beauty in decay chaeological sites in some states, so started by some of the slaves and and hope in hopelessness. When you the way the Conservancy looks at it, the unintended death of a six year think about the enslaved people who any archaeological site may one day old girl, followed by the brutal execu- built that house, it’s hard not to draw be in peril, even if there aren’t land- tion of several slaves in the yard and parallels. Sometimes, I’m sure he has levelers parked beside it right now. the ultimate journey of almost 300 stayed there and survived so long to slaves from Prospect Hill to the Mis- keep life inside that house. If the PH: Does the Conservancy nor- sissippi Colony in what is now Libe- house collapsed, the archaeology mally acquire standing structures ria. Knowing all of that, I and many would still be there and the family or is Prospect Hill the first of its others felt that it had to be saved. would still be there, but the house is kind for the Conservancy? That story is too important. And it the most visual reminder. It’s all

18 HORIZON & TRADITION | October 2016

RANDOM SAMPLE

JC: We try to avoid it, if possible. The Conservancy is set up to manage archaeological resources. Houses or other structures, historic or not, aren’t archaeology. Several historic structures that need repair could drain all our funds quickly. However, sometimes, to get a very significant site, we end up having to purchase a house or other structure. Sometimes they’re historic and sometimes not. We do it on a case by case basis. We have a couple of modern houses on mound sites that we allow people to lease for a very small amount if they will keep the house up. I’ve also torn down three houses that were on sites because they were too far gone to be fixed. Prospect Hill was the first site with plantation archaeology on it in my Jessica Crawford at the Parchman site. Photo by George Lowry. region. acquire any particular site? Is it PH: I read about your 2013 work PH: Does Prospect Hill have an archaeological significance alone, with the Chickasaw on the acqui- archaeological component? or is it because they’re threatened sition of Chissa’Talla in Lee Coun- by development or destruction, ty (link below). It seemed like the JC: It does. The grounds haven’t or all of the above? decision to sell was difficult for been touched and they’re covered the Beasley family. You mentioned with foundations of outbuildings. The JC: There are several things we con- that you help landowners with tax story it can tell about plantation life sider. One of the most important credits for donations after the in Mississippi in the early 1800’s is being how much research potential is transfer of property, but what something that really, only archaeolo- there. Our mission is to preserve ar- about on the front end, when gy can tell. So often, all we see is the chaeological sites not just for the someone like the Beasley family big house and the rest of the story sake of preserving them, but for ar- might be struggling with these de- gets lost. Archaeologists are helping chaeological research. That doesn’t cisions? us tell the story of everyone who mean they have to be researched lived there. It’s our plan to find right now or even in the near future. JC: I also try to let them know up someone who will purchase Prospect As long as we hold title to them, front that we can’t pay a lot, if any, Hill from us and restore the house, they’ll be there. Once we’ve made over appraised value. Sometimes, while we retain an archaeological sure a site is recorded with the state even appraised value is too expen- easement that protects the archaeol- and we know there is good research sive. I also let them know that we ogy and allows occasional research. potential, we then consider how don’t value sites by size of the site, We’ve had a couple of sales fall much it will cost to acquire and man- height of the mound, or whatever. through, but I remain optimistic. age. We can’t pay far over appraised Some people think the larger the value and when sites are donated we mound, the more valuable the land. PH: What drives your decision to help donors obtain tax credits. Another way of looking at it is that if

October 2016 | HORIZON & TRADITION 19 RANDOM SAMPLE

“...peacocks living inside crumbling antebellum houses in the middle of nowhere is the sort of thing that happens only south of the Yazoo River…”

20 HORIZON & TRADITION | October 2016

RANDOM SAMPLE it has a site on it, there may be prob- JC: With a couple like the Beasleys, JC: We cooperate with any tribe lems with developing it in any way, it’s easy. They’d always protected the connected to or interested in sites we so it could be worthless. In the end, archaeological sites on their land. acquire. We’re happy to partner on it’s up to the landowner, and in John Ray literally ran people off with acquisitions, as well as to help devel- many cases, it might be property a shotgun. At a time when metal op management plans and have that has been in the family for many detecting and grave robbing was them act as site stewards, if they years. People become attached to rampant in Tupelo, everyone knew want to. I don’t have the tribal pres- these places and feel very connected not to dig holes on Beasley property. ence in the Southeast that other re- to them. It’s important for them to If they did, they regretted it. I just gions have, especially our Southwest- know they can trust us to stand by happened to be introduced to the ern region. In addition to the work our agreements and to trust me as a Beasleys at a time when they were I’ve done with the Chickasaw, I’ve person. Acquisitions often take time ready to sell a large portion of their also met with and worked on an ac- and I have to establish a relationship property and build a smaller house quisition with the Houma in Louisi- with the landowner and get an un- on some adjacent land. They were ana. I’ve worked with the Chitimacha derstanding of what their concerns very generous and agreed to sell on reburying human remains at one are. Some don’t want any excava- their 35 acres at the lowest end of of our sites. I’ve also spoken with tions to take place on their site – the appraisal and then donated representatives of the Quapaw, Po- ever. They think of it as grave rob- about five acres, as well as the struc- arch Band of Creeks, and the Mus- bing or looting. There are all the ste- tures and their contents on the prop- cogee Creek Nation about various reotypes that archaeologists have to erty. Some people just want the sites. The family that owned Prospect deal with and I have to ease them money and don’t care what happens Hill is a pretty large group and they into the idea of careful and respect- to their site. Others will not sell for have all been very encouraging and ful work taking place at some point. less than a certain amount and they generous with their time and mone- Landowners have all kinds of com- sometimes walk away. We do our tary contributions toward keeping pletely natural and legitimate con- best to work something out, but the house in a state so that it can be cerns about the future of their prop- sometimes we just can’t come to an restored. I'm especially proud of the erty so there has to be a lot of trust agreement. Or sometimes family number of descendants of people between us. Many landowners, and members are divided over what is who were enslaved at Prospect Hill the Beasleys are an excellent exam- most important. I try to express to who have contacted us and visited. ple, become dear friends of mine people that preserving their site real- We had one gathering where de- and I keep in touch with them and ly is like giving a gift to future gener- scendants of the owners family and visit them when I’m in the area. The ations and there is nothing truer enslaved families visited the planta- way I look at it, quite often, the life than to say that these sites are a tion together, which was an amazing of the owners we acquire a site from finite resource. Each one is an indi- experience. I'm hoping that through often becomes part of the site’s sto- vidual and has its own information to archaeology, we can determine ry. It’s not just the prehistoric archae- share; its own piece of the puzzle. where the slave cabins were as well ology that needs to be remembered, as a slave cemetery. it’s the whole history of a place. PH: The Chickasaw stepped up big-time on Chissa’Talla. Can you PH: Last Conservancy question, PH: Sometimes it obviously talk about some of the ways that as far as acquisitions go, what was comes down to dollars and cents the Conservancy works with de- your biggest heart breaker and and what they can get for the scendent communities, whether it your biggest success? property, but how do you ap- be the Chickasaw in Lee County proach helping landowners with or the descendants of Prospect JC: My biggest heart breaker is the the decision to conserve the ar- Hill? Watson Brake Site in Louisiana. It’s chaeology on their property? best known for being one of the sites

October 2016 | HORIZON & TRADITION 21 RANDOM SAMPLE that proved mound building took tribal historian, Richard Green and about my hometown, a place I place during the Middle Archaic. Kirk Perry, who also works with the thought I knew well, has been eye- Great work was done there by Joe Nation. Since then, I’ve seen Chicka- opening to say the least. I think Saunders, Reca Jones, and many oth- saw stand on that site and be deeply sometimes it’s hard to get a really ers, who became dear friends of affected by it. There is just some- deep understanding of a place un- mine. The state of Louisiana asked thing about seeing the direct de- less you grew up there and have a us to acquire the site with the plan scendants so touched by a place and sixth sense for it. Tim Pauketat that eventually the State would take also to see them learn from archaeo- talked about something similar to ownership and it would become a logical research conducted there. It this in the first interview in this park. The property line goes right was also the beginning of a very series. Have you found the same through the middle. We managed to close working relationship with the thing to be true growing up, living, purchase half the site from the tim- Chickasaw Nation, and I’ve learned and working in the Delta? How do ber company that owned it and sub- a tremendous amount from individu- you think about the archaeology of sequently resold it to the State of als within the tribe that has shaped Mississippi, as both a professional Louisiana. We had a contract with my thinking as an archaeologist and and as a native of the Delta? the family that owned the other half preservationist, so all of that has and they backed out. Several times been a great personal success to me JC: Most of the archaeological field since, they’ve called us saying they too. But truly, every site preserved is work I've done has been pretty much were ready to sell, but at the last a great success. Some are more im- in my back yard, so to speak, here in minute there is one person who re- pressive in appearance than others, Mississippi and mostly in the Yazoo fuses to agree to a deal. This individ- but they’re all important. I have so River Basin. I've done a little work in ual is determined to make us pay far much assistance from archaeologists Arkansas and some with Joe Saun- above appraised value for the site - a and interested locals that it’s always ders in Louisiana, but most has been ridiculous amount. Even though other a like a celebration when we’ve all pretty close to home. It's been en- family members want to see the site worked together to acquire a site. lightening and I learned that alt- preserved and become a park, they Honestly, the archaeologists who hough I grew up here, there was cannot get him to agree. Once, Joe work on these sites grow to love much I didn't know about the prehis- Saunders told me he didn’t think them and care about them as much tory, geology and hydrology of this he’d live to see the entire site pre- as anyone and they go above and area. Like lots of kids, I grew up tak- served and I told him he was wrong. beyond to help me. They do things ing school trips to Winterville He may have been right. Perhaps on their own time, they spend their Mounds in Greenville or Chucalissa none of us will ever see that entire own money, they go out of their way in Memphis, so I thought I knew site preserved. The family will allow to get me maps, information and those sites, but only when I became visits to their side but they also allow arrange meetings. Many of the sites an archaeologist did I begin to under- ATV riding on their mounds as well. we acquire, I wouldn’t even know stand and appreciate those places. It may be a lost cause. existed if not for an archaeologist. Driving down Highway 61 I now see things that a lot of people don't no- PH: And your biggest success? PH: Let’s talk about archaeology tice or think much about. A dip in in Mississippi and being an archae- the road is a relict river channel, I JC: Chissa’Talla was a big success ologist in Mississippi. For the last understand oxbows and how they're for me because, in spite of the break few years I’ve volunteered with a formed, depending on my location, I on the price the Beasleys gave us, it local group to research a well- can predict the approximate age of was still going to be half a million known site in my hometown that a site that's on a natural levee. Ar- dollars. We got it all from the Chick- everyone has an opinion about. chaeology has given me a much asaw Nation and that wouldn’t have Digging into the history of this more complete and intimate happened without help from their place and learning new things knowledge of my home. It has given

22 HORIZON & TRADITION | October 2016

RANDOM SAMPLE me a new appreciation for it, too. same time you were at Ole Miss. I ous wreck and didn't want to, but it's Being local does help when I'm work- was new to the state, but it didn’t so important to do that and now it's ing for the Conservancy here, or in take long for me to figure out that easy for me. John says I won't shut up adjacent states, because it's so agri- John Connaway was practically an now. I followed him around all over culture oriented. I grew up in an agri- institution in Mississippi archaeolo- the place doing salvage work or cultural community and am married gy and the archaeology of Missis- checking on sites when someone to a farmer, so I understand the con- sippi Delta. I know you’re close to called Archives needing information or cerns of farmers and landowners. I John. What did you learn from him help. I got to see all kinds of sites, can look at a field and know why a that stuck with you? meet all kinds of people and hear all farmer won't want to lose the part of kinds of great stories. Driving through a field where a well is located or JC: I feel so fortunate to have worked the Delta with Connaway is a real where his center pivot has to pass. with John Connaway and he remains trip. He can point to hundreds of high Recognizing the crops, knowing the one of my closest friends. With over spots or clusters of trees and tell you prices, how the production year has 40 years with the Mississippi Depart- about a site right there. He's also been and other things like that helps ment of Archives and History, you're seen a lot of archaeology lost and has me gain the trust of someone I'm right, he is an institution! I spent so put in tremendous amounts of per- hoping will consider taking a site out much time with him really because sonal and professional time into sav- of production. To them, I don't seem he’s just 15 miles from me and when ing as much as possible. He's a little like some stranger coming in and I went to Ole Miss, Jay Johnson was quiet at first, but he loves to share nagging him about an Indian mound, working in the Delta so he was happy what he knows with others and is and that's an attitude lots of archae- to have a student with John so much. great with kids. ologists have to deal with. I can John started working in the Delta speak the language of Delta farmers, when agricultural land clearing and PH: I want to finish up with your but at the same time, I've been leveling was going on at a frightening experience at Ole Miss and re- around (and away) enough to cringe rate and he spent years chasing dirt search you did early in your ca- at a lot of the old, out of date atti- buckets trying to salvage as much as reer. How did you land in the An- tudes. Some of the things that come he could. In the process, he learned thropology program at Old Miss out of people's mouths, well, I just how to work with landowners and and how did come to work with have to kind of ignore if I'm going to how to work fast when tractors are Jay Johnson? do my job. I've learned to feel com- racing past you. He's also old school- fortable kicking dirt clods in a field partly by choice and partly because JC: I'm sort of a late bloomer in ar- with an old farmer, meeting with a he's never been provided with much chaeology. I was at Ole Miss and fin- developer in his office in Miami or more equipment than shovels and ishing a few classes for my English discussing reburials at a site with a trowels. His transit is ancient. One of degree when I really became interest- tribe's cultural representative. Some- the first things John did was lay out a ed in archaeology. I'd wanted to go times being a woman makes it a quad map and show me how to read into Historic Preservation, but Ole little different, too. If I had a nickle it and record the location of a site Miss didn't have a program. I was for every time I've arranged to meet using UTM coordinates. He always also taking some Southern Studies a man I didn't know out on some stressed the importance of going to classes and showed Robbie Ethridge dirt road...It sounds a lot worse than meetings and giving presentations- some points I'd found on it is! especially when you're a student and our farm and she sent me to Jay you plan to work in a certain area, it's Johnson. I had a couple of nice paleo PH: Talk about your experiences important to be involved on the local points which is unusual for the Delta, working with John Connaway at level. He insisted that I give a paper so Jay referred me to John Connaway MDAH. I was at Southern Miss at my second Mississippi Archaeologi- who came over to look at my collec- studying with Ed Jackson about the cal Association meeting. I was a nerv- tion and record my sites. I'd already

October 2016 | HORIZON & TRADITION 23 RANDOM SAMPLE done a lot of reading and had figured JC: Because I spent a lot of time PH: Last question, looking back on out how to keep up with what I found with John Connaway, I naturally your career so far, how have your and where. I had Mississippian and heard a lot about one of his inter- archaeological interests changed? Woodland sites that had pottery and ests which was Archaic effigy beads. were close to the main river channel He'd worked at the Denton site JC: Years ago, I was all about Middle and larger points from sites that were near Lambert, where collectors had Archaic and I’d have considered Pro- in "gumbo" or backswamp fields with- found about 20 stone effigy beads. spect Hill “tin can archaeology.” Not out pottery and I'd figured out that all It was also the type site for the now. I’m learning so much about meant something, but John really en- Middle Archaic Denton and Opos- historic and plantation archaeology lightened me and he gave me lots of sum Bayou points. John had spent that I didn’t know then because I reading material and I started spend- years tracking down every effigy never really paid attention. The great ing time with him and doing volunteer bead of this style he could find and thing about my job, of course, is that work. I'd go with him to the Holly- had built a considerable database. I don’t have to be an expert. That’s wood site when Jay was working there Relatives of mine owned the Denton not my role. My role is to manage and finally, one day Jay said some- site, which made it even more inter- Conservancy sites and deal with any- thing like, "Why don't you just enroll in esting to me, but I was just fascinat- one who requests to conduct excava- my program?" I was in my early thirties ed by the beads and the idea of tions on them. But still, I can’t help and felt so much older than all the oth- an in-depth analysis of them, so Jay but want to know all about it! er graduate students and thought I just allowed me to do my thesis on didn't know enough-until I heard one of them. Only three have been profes- PH: Wanting to know about it all his students ask which was older, sionally excavated and there are is every archaeologist’s blessing Woodland or Marksville, so I thought, things about each of the three that and curse! That’s a good place to "OK, I'm doing it!" make me a little uncomfortable but end. Thanks for sharing your story. I do think I presented a good argu- PH: How did you come to study ment for them being Middle Archaic Have an idea for a Random Sample stone effigy beads in grad school? and earlier than Poverty Point. interview? Contact Sarah Bennett at [email protected].

LAGNIAPPE ELECTION YEAR SPECIAL

24 HORIZON & TRADITION | October 2016