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Check in here for recent AAC news. members feel free to comment. Please contact AAC@AZarchaeology.org if you have a news post that you would like to submit.

  • 06/26/2016 11:51 | AAC Board Admin (Administrator)

    Governor’s Archaeology Advisory Commission

    Awards in Public Archaeology 2016

     Award:        Avocational Archaeologist

     Recipients:   Walter Gosart and Tom Woodall

     Nominator:  Peter Pilles, Jr., Forest Archaeologist, Coconino National Forest

    Tom Woodall and Walter Gosart are inseparable friends who have made great contributions to all aspects of the Coconino National Forest’s Heritage Program for over 25 years.  Both participated in the Arizona Archaeological Society’s field school at Elden Pueblo, completed several AAS certification courses, and now provide many of the educational programs at Elden Pueblo, including participation at events like Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Appreciation Month and V Bar B Days celebrations.  They developed specialization in stabilization and practice and teach those skills, working at places like Homolovi and Honanki as well as Elden Pueblo, and stabilization needs assessment for Oak Creek Ruin.  They have become experts in prehistoric pottery identification in the Flagstaff area, and teach this as well.  They have conducted site surveys and updated site records.  Tom and Walter have dedicated many years of their lives to preserving, recording and understanding sites and artifacts, and sharing this knowledge and enthusiasm with members of the public and other archaeologists.

    Award:        Site Steward

    Recipients:   Fran Maiuri and Carl Evertsbusch

    Nominator:  Robin Rutherfoord, Tucson Regional Coordinator

    Fran Maiuri and Carl Evertsbusch, site stewards since 2011, have already made their mark in the Tucson area.  They have assisted land managers with site relocations and evaluations prior to sites being placed into the Region 6 inventory.  They are on crews that monitor over 90 sites in Pima County, 35 sites for the Forest Service and a number of sites on State Trust land.  Fran and Carl work at a large rock art site not on the inventory.  At Saguaro National Park, they monitor some of the most difficult and physically demanding archaeological sites to access in the park, requiring long strenuous days of off trail hiking to sites in the rugged Saguaro wilderness.  During a period of vandalism, they not only recorded and reported the events, they set out motion detecting cameras to monitor the sites.  The park archaeologist writes that “there are no words strong enough to describe the importance of the Site Steward Program to us here at Saguaro, and Fran and Carl are two of the most exceptional site stewards at the park.  Fran and Carl meet and exceed the seven goals of the Site Steward Program.”


    Award:        Site Steward

    Recipients:   Richard and Sandy Martynec

    Nominator:  Adrianne Rankin, Barry M. Goldwater Range East

    Richard and Sandy Martynec have been regional site steward coordinators for 20 years.  They have exceeded in this capacity, and have coordinated over 30 site stewards on the Barry M. Goldwater Range East, Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, and previously at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.  They have learned site mapping and repeat photography, and have provided additional training to site stewards who wished to do more than monitor sites.  At a very large petroglyph site, they directed the mapping and recording, including point provenience mapping of all artifacts, extensive field recordation, and detailed recording of the petroglyphs.  They have been willing to assist all agencies in fulfilling Section 110 requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act.  They conducted obsidian analysis and determined that much of the obsidian at sites in the area came from the site of Los Sitios.  Rick and Sandy’s work has gone well beyond site monitoring duties.  The nominator summed up the Martynec’s contributions in this way:  “Julian Hayden would be smiling and toasting them with a shot of tequila.”


    Award:        Private, Nonprofit Entity

    Recipient:     Friends of the Forest, Cultural Resources Committee

    Nominator:  Travis Bone, Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest

    The Cultural Resources of the Friends of the Forest, Coconino National Forest, formed in 1994 in response to vandalism and graffiti in the Verde Valley, especially at Palatki and Honanki.  Since then the volunteers provide staffing at Palatki and V Bar B sites that allows them to be open year around.  Good works expanded over the years to include highly skilled and professional graffiti removal.  The group also took the initiative to digitize the Coconino National Forest’s collection of 15,000 transparencies and over 65,000 photographic prints, ultimately about 100,000 images, and creating a searchable database.  This led to the realization that there were gaps in the record, and a field crew was formed to visit 100 sites, 20 of which were not previously photographed, and discover and photograph 21 previously unknown sites, creating over 25,000 new images to add to the database.  The group also participates in Verde Valley Archaeology Discovery Days, during Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month. 


    Award:        Government Agency

    Recipient:     City of Flagstaff Open Space Program

    Nominator:  Karen Enyedy, Museum of Northern Arizona

    Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve is 478 acres of land sheltering nearly 800 petroglyphs, Northern Sinagua habitation sites, and other culturally significant artifacts.  Picture Canyon was first explored professional by Harold and Mary-Russell Colton beginning in 1916.  In 2008, Picture Canyon was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  In 2012, the City of Flagstaff obtained Picture Canyon from State Trust land expressly to set it aside as designated open space for educational and recreational purposes.  The city of Flagstaff’s Open Space Program has worked with local partners to restore the natural and cultural integrity of the Preserve, host volunteer events, education the public about the importance of the area, and provide outdoor recreational opportunities.  Accomplishments include restoring the riparian habitat of the Rio de Flag, refurbish or decommission trails, roads and a bridge, launch a Site Steward program at the Preserve, install interpretive signs, provide guided tours, and offer recreational activities.  The award for Government Agency recognizes the City of Flagstaff’s Open Space Program for providing and supporting volunteer efforts, partnerships and public education programming to preserve the archaeological, historical, and natural resources at Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve.

    Award:        Special or Lifetime Achievement

    Recipient:     David Abbott

    Nominator:  Douglas Mitchell, Archaeological Consulting Services

    Dave Abbott is a southwestern archaeologist whose focus is dedicated to modeling the exchange systems and social networks that composed the prehistoric Hohokam regional system, investigating the impact of large-scale irrigation on sociocultural evolution, and developing the unique contribution that ceramic research can make to the study of prehistoric communities.  This work has engaged multidisciplinary teams of graduate students, private sector archaeologists, geologists and chemists.  Dave has provided public service through board membership and participation with nonprofit organizations such as Old Pueblo Archaeology, Arizona Archaeology Council, Arizona Archaeological Society, Tempe Historical Society, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Deer Valley Rock Art Center, Pueblo Grande Museum, and Arizona State Museum.

     

  • 06/14/2016 15:33 | AAC Board Admin (Administrator)

    Courtesy of Doug Mitchell:

    "Dr. Abbott has had a profound effect on the archaeology of Arizona through his research, affiliation with museums and societies, and mentoring of students.  Currently an associate professor at Arizona State University, he has served on a variety of professional committees both in Arizona and nationally.  In addition to his role as a teaching and research professor, Dr. Abbott has provided public service through his board membership and associations with the non-profit Old Pueblo Archaeology, Arizona Archaeology Council, Arizona Archaeological Society, Tempe Historical Society, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Deer Valley Rock Art Center, Pueblo Grande Museum, and Arizona State Museum. 

     Since completing his doctoral studies in 1994, Dr. Abbott has designed and conducted a long-term research program focused on the ancient pottery of central and southern Arizona.  Abbott joined the ASU faculty in August 2004 following 10 years as an independent consultant and a research associate at the Arizona State Museum.

    His work is dedicated to modeling the exchange and social networks that composed the prehistoric Hohokam regional system, investigating the impact of large-scale irrigation on sociocultural evolution and developing the unique contribution that ceramic research can make to the study of prehistoric communities. This work has engaged multidisciplinary teams of graduate student assistants, private-sector archaeologists, geologists and chemists.

    Abbott’s unique blend of academic achievement and public service have allowed professionals and the public alike to better understand the importance of our prehistoric past in Arizona and the southwest."

    Congratulations Dr. Abbott!

  • 04/28/2016 11:48 | AAC Board Admin (Administrator)

    AZTEC is currently seeking resumes from qualified Lab Directors for our Arizona office. The role will be to manage the archaeological lab and staff.

    Duties: Check-in artifact bags and review field forms for completenessDirect artifact processing and analysis

    Overall organization and maintenance of lab (including field and lab equipment)

    Perform quality assurance on work conducted by lab staff

    Prepare databases to track artifacts during processing, analysis, and project closeout

    Submit artifact samples for special analyses

    Prepare and submit collections for curation

    Write portions of archaeological reports

    Coordinate with field supervisors and archaeologists regarding project resources

    Working Conditions and Environment:

    Will need the ability to establish rapport quickly with others working on the same project, and be able to promote a positive team environment. A working knowledge of dealing with a diverse population while using tact, diplomacy, and respect. Company Overview: AZTEC Engineering Group, Inc. (AZTEC) is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, and provides diversified technical and consulting services to clients in the Unites States. AZTEC has offices in California, Colorado, Indiana, Nevada, and Texas. AZTEC is part of the TYPSA Group, a global consulting firm with offices in over 30 countries and a staff of over 2,000 professionals world-wide. AZTEC has a diverse culture that focuses on providing rich opportunities for its employees. AZTEC offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, short and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k)/Profit Sharing program. AZTEC is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to affirmative action planning.

    Required Skills: B.A./B.S. in Anthropology or related field

    3-5 years of experience in an archaeological lab

    Experience with databases

    Must be highly organized, self-motivated, and detail-oriented

    Familiarity with Microsoft software (Word, Powerpoint, Access, Excel)

    Familiarity with standard archaeological field methods and repository requirements for ASM and other AZ museums

    Experience in artifact analysis is preferred

    Please respond by emailing your resume to jobs@aztec.us.

    Please include “Lab Director” in the subject line.

    Job Type: Employee

    Job Status: Part-time/Non-Exempt

    Contact Person: April Romero – Human Resources Manager

    Email: jobs@aztec.us

  • 04/12/2016 16:32 | AAC Board Admin (Administrator)

    PaleoWest is looking to fill a Project Director position based out of our Phoenix, Arizona office.  The candidate must possess an advanced degree in Anthropology or another applicable field.  The Project Director will oversee archaeological projects throughout Arizona and adjacent states.  This mid level salaried position offers advancement opportunities in a cutting edge, cultural resources firm, and provides health and leave-time benefits, as well as bonuses for productivity, performance, and academic publication. 

    The successful candidate will be fit, resourceful, dedicated, organized, and possess outstanding writing skills. Our Project Directors need to be able to communicate deftly with clients, agencies, tribes, subordinates, and colleagues.  Candidates must have a minimum of 3 – 5 years prior experience supervising projects and field personnel with an eye towards efficiency, thoroughness, and client satisfaction.  The position requires the ability to prepare, plan, and execute logistically challenging fieldwork in a successful and independent manner.

    The candidate must be able to complete technical reports with minimal supervision. Familiarity with the historic and prehistoric archaeology of the Southwest is required.  You must be a Registered Professional Archaeologist, or qualified to become one, upon hire. Please submit a current CV, a brief sample highlighting technical report writing abilities, and a brief letter of intent/personal statement to work@paleowest.com, with “Project Director – Phoenix” in the subject line.


    www.paleowest.com


  • 03/03/2016 11:18 | AAC Board Admin (Administrator)

    Tucson-Pima County 2016 Historic Preservation Awards - Call for Nominations

    The Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission has opened nominations for its 2016 Historic Preservation Awards.  These awards recognize individuals, firms, groups, and/or organizations that have demonstrated their interest or contribution to the preservation, conservation, or interpretation of local history, architecture, or historic preservation in Tucson or Pima County. We invite you to participate in this program by submitting a nomination or nominations.

    For more information, please refer to the 2016 Awards Program Description and Nomination Form, accessible at:  https://www.tucsonaz.gov/home/announcement/historic-preservation-awards-call-nominations

    Nominations are due by noon on Friday, April 1, 2016.

  • 02/11/2016 10:44 | AAC Board Admin (Administrator)

    Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park will be hosting the 5th Annual Scitech Festival lecture series Fridays in February from noon to 1 pm! See details here: https://www.facebook.com/ArizonaArchaeologicalCouncil/

  • 01/14/2016 08:19 | AAC Board Admin (Administrator)

    To Our Members,

    The AAC is now an affiliated society with the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA)! This means that the board of directors has passed a resolution to apply for affiliation, and the RPA has approved the AAC based on our bylaws and mission statement. This affiliation confirms that the AAC and its members agree to abide by the RPA Code of Conduct and Standards of Research Performance, which includes a statement on sexual harassment.

    As part of this affiliation, all society members who meet the registration requirements of the Register of Professional Archaeologists for the first time, are eligible for an annual registration fee of $75. All society members who are already registered as unaffiliated registrants will be able to take advantage of the $75 annual fee in 2016. This is a savings of $50 from the normal registration rate!

    More information can be found at the following links:

    https://rpanet.site-ym.com/default.asp?page=CodesandStandards#Code%20of%20Conduct

    http://rpanet.org/?page=AffiliatedSocInfo

    Thanks!

  • 01/06/2016 09:20 | AAC Board Admin (Administrator)

    The Making Archaeology Public Project

     

    2016 will mark 50 years since grassroots preservationists successfully worked with Congress to pass the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), a United States law that acknowledges the importance of our national heritage instructs federal agencies to be good stewards of that heritage. One effect of this law has been a massive expansion of publicly funded archaeological work carried out in advance of construction projects.  This work, in turn, has resulted in tremendous new understandings of Native American and immigrant histories in the United States and its territories.

     

    The Making Archaeology Public Project (MAPP) is a nationwide effort to highlight just a few of the many significant insights that have come to light since the passage of the Act. Archaeologists in each state are working within their communities to select one of the many engaging stories that have come to light and to share them with the public to celebrate the last fifty years of archaeological investigations. The ultimate goal is a website that includes links to videos that exemplify the ways that NHPA has changed our understanding of the past.

     

    On Thursday evening, January 14, 2016, from 7 to 9 pm, Lynne Sebastian (an archaeologist and historic preservation enthusiast) will host a panel discussion with MAPP leaders to share the national and state projects, which range from finding the first farming settlements in North America in the Tucson Basin to the way thousands of tiny projects in New Mexico tell big stories about the ancient past.  

     

    This event will be held at the Scottish Rite Temple in downtown Tucson, at 160 S. Scott Avenue and is open to the public. 

    The Scottish Rite Temple has two parking lots immediately north and south of the building, with the south lot the larger. Please obey parking restrictions and do not use spaces 13, 40, or those with signs that say "Royal Elizabeth Bed and Breakfast." Metered street parking is available within one to two blocks, and the venue is one block south of the Modern Street car route.

  • 12/10/2015 08:30 | AAC Board Admin (Administrator)

    To all,

    Yahoo will likely be shutting down Yahoo Groups in the next couple of months. Because many of you receive information regarding the current activities of the AAC through this Yahoo Group (including both members and non-members of the AAC), I would like to notify everyone that, in the future, information regarding AAC activities can be obtained either directly from the "News" section of the AAC website (http://www.arizonaarchaeologicalcouncil.org/), via email from the AAC board of directors, or via our facebook webpage (https://www.facebook.com/ArizonaArchaeologicalCouncil/).

    In addition, its that time of the year again! I am now soliciting information on anything that you feel would be good to distribute to our members via the January 2016 newsletter. This includes new publications, new project updates, obituaries, and other news items.

    Please email me directly at justin.rego@gmail.com or jrego@logansimpson.com. Please do not reply to the AAC Listserv address!

    Thanks!
  • 12/10/2015 07:37 | AAC Board Admin (Administrator)

    Annual Julian D. Hayden Student Paper Competition

    Sponsored by Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society
    and Arizona Archaeological Council

    The Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society and Arizona Archaeological Council sponsor the annual Julian D. Hayden Student Paper Competition, named in honor of long-time southwestern scholar Julian Dodge Hayden. The winning entry will receive a cash prize of $750 and publication of the paper in Kiva, The Journal of Southwestern Anthropology and History. The competition is open to any bona fide undergraduate and graduate students at any recognized college or university. Co-authored papers will be accepted if all authors are students. Subject matter may include the anthropology, archaeology, history, linguistics, and/or ethnology of the United States Southwest and northern Mexico, or any other topic appropriate for publication in Kiva.

    Papers should be no more than 9,000 words (approximately 25 double-spaced, typewritten pages) including figures, tables, and references, and should conform to Kiva format. Please review the instructions for authors at:

    http://www.maneyonline.com/ifa/kiv

    If the paper involves living human subjects, the author(s) should verify, in the paper or cover letter, that necessary permission to publish has been obtained. Previous entries will not be considered, and all decisions of the judges are final. If no publishable papers are received, no award will be given. Judging criteria include, but are not limited to, quality of writing, degree of original research and use of original data, appropriateness of subject matter, and length.

    The Hayden Student Paper competition announcement and a link to past winners can also be found at:

    http://www.az-arch-and-hist.org/grants/annual-julian-d-hayden-student-paper-competion/

    Deadline for receipt of submissions is January 11, 2016.
    Late entries will not be accepted.

    Your paper should be emailed to Lauren Jelinek (laurenejelinek@gmail.com) in PDF format. Should your paper exceed the file size accepted by Gmail, email Lauren and she will set up a DropBox folder for your submission. You must also include a scanned copy of your current student ID as a separate PDF.

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