Southwest Archaeology Today for May 7, 2007

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

– The Volunteers of Mesa Verde Honored in Washington D.C. Volunteers at Mesa Verde were recognized in Washington D.C. when the park received two awards. The regional George B. Hartzog Jr. Outstanding Volunteer Service Award honored Durango volunteers Chuck and Cheryl Carson, and the national George B. Hartzog Jr. Outstanding Park VIP Program Award for 2006 went to Mesa Verde’s Volunteers-In-Parks program.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/hiyf – Cortez Journal.

– Nominations Sought for Arizona Awards in Public Archaeology: The Governor’s Archaeology Advisory Commission (GAAC) is still seeking nominations for their 2007 Awards in Public Archaeology. These awards honor individuals, organizations, programs, and others that have made (or are making) a contribution to the protection and preservation of, and education about, Arizona’s sensitive heritage resources. Nominations may be submitted in the following categories: Individuals: Professional Archaeologist, Avocational Archaeologist, Site Steward Programs: Tribal, Private Sector (can include developers, private archaeological consultants’ public programming, etc.), Public Sector (can include museums, organizations, etc.). The deadline for nominations is Monday, May 14, 2007; nominations may be e-mailed to GAAC in care of Ann Howard, Public Archaeology Programs Manager and SHPO liaison to GAAC at ahoward@azstateparks.gov. Thank you for helping to recognize and support these worthy endeavors!
http://www.cdarc.org/sat/gaac-form.doc – Ms Word Document.

– Colorado History Month Events: May is Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month, sponsored by the Colorado Historical Society. This year’s theme is “Share Colorado’s Past,” and a number of activities are planned around the area. All activities are free and do not require reservations unless noted. A complete listing of cities, sponsors and events taking place across the state is available by calling (303) 866-3395 or visiting the CHS Website.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/hq1i – Durango Herald
http://www.coloradohistoryoahp.org

– This Week is Utah’s Prehistory Week: Utah Prehistory Week will be celebrated May 5-12 with activities throughout the state. Here’s a look at what will be happening in the Salt Lake area:
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,660217363,00.html

– Utah Prehistory Week offers Chance to Tour “Prison Dig:” The site, called the Prison Dig because of its proximity to the penitentiary, was actually discovered in 1991, during construction of the Bangerter Highway. A brief cultural survey done at that time revealed significant enough findings that the highway was rerouted. In 1993, more subsurface testing was done, and crews hit a fire pit some 72 centimeters below the surface. Charcoal in that pit was radiocarbon dated to 3,040 years before present. “That would place it at roughly about 1100 B.C.,” says Yentsch.
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,660217365,00.html

– The Tranquil Ruins of Homolovi Ruins State Park: Homolovi Ruins State Park doesn’t have the large structures and towers found at some archaeological parks. Most of the walls have crumbled. Wind and rain have worn them down until only a few stones remain. You look at the rubble, read the signs along the way and look out at the land. The walls and the land tell stories that archaeologists try to piece together.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/15n8 – The Arizona Republic

– Anasazi Heritage Center Hosts Craig Childs, on May 22nd: Dolores – Explorer and adventurer Craig Childs will speak at the BLM Anasazi Heritage Center at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, May 22. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Childs is the author of the recently-published “House of Rain: Tracking a Vanished Civilization Across the American Southwest” published by Little, Brown and Company and available in the museum shop. The author will sign copies of his book after the presentation.
http://www.cdarc.org/sat/childs_pr.doc – Ms Word Document.

– The Melanie Zipin Concert Canceled: Thank you all for your patience. The newly added Melanie Zipin concert on May 12 at Wildwood Retreat (Gila Cliff Dewellings National Monument) has been canceled. An updated schedule of May events is available below.
http://www.cdarc.org/sat/gcd_may.doc – Ms Word Document.

The Archaeology of Santa Cruz Island is the Topic of the Next Meeting of the Pacific Coast Archaeology Society: Pacific Coast Archaeological Society’s May 10th meeting will feature Dr. Michael Glassow speaking on “Middle Holocene Archaeology on Santa Cruz Island: Investigating the Origins of Cultural Complexity in the Santa Barbara Channel.” Meeting information: Thursday, May 10, 2007, 7:30 pm at the Irvine Ranch Water District, 15600 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine, CA. Meeting is free and open to the public. For information:
http://www.pcas.org