SHA and ACUA 2019 Election Results
PRESIDENT
Julie Schablitsky
Present Position: Chief Archaeologist and Cultural Resources Section Chief, Maryland Department of Transportation; Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Maryland-College Park; Research Affiliate, University of Oregon
Education: Ph.D., Urban Studies, with specialization in historical archaeology, Portland State University, Oregon; M.A., Anthropology, Oregon State University; B.A., Anthropology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies:
SHA: Program Co-Chair, Washington D.C. Conference, 2016; Book Reviews Editor, 2015–2019; Board Member, 2013–2016; Collections and Curation Committee Board Liaison, 2013–2016; Co-Chair, Baltimore, Maryland Conference, 2012
Research Interests: African American diaspora; genetic archaeology (DNA and artifacts); cemetery preservation; evolution of transportation landscapes; War of 1812 (terrestrial and maritime)
Biographical Statement:
As the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Cultural Resources Section Chief, I direct over one dozen archaeologists and architectural historians in the management and preservation of archaeological sites, significant buildings, and important structures across the state. While at MDOT, I created a public outreach archaeology program that partners with county and local governments to study local historic sites. These projects often incorporate students from the University of Maryland, providing them with valuable work experience and connections that will facilitate their future employment in archaeology.
As a highway archaeologist I look at the ways transportation systems evolve over time, and how people and places responded to changes along these corridors. Over the last decade, my research and publications have focused upon African American sites (e.g. plantations, urban life, and cemeteries) and how enslaved and free communities lived in the Chesapeake. My relationships with local communities recently inspired me to link Belvoir’s African American descendants to their ancestors. The recovery of human DNA from artifacts such as tobacco pipe stems is now inspiring others to use this same application to address questions of ancestry on their sites.
Under my affiliation with the University of Oregon, I have researched the Donner Party of California, as well as the American Revolutionary Naval Captain John Paul Jones’ birthplace and the late medieval Amisfield Tower in southern Scotland. The chance to lead archaeological projects in Scotland demonstrated to me the importance of collaboration with our colleagues outside of North America, and how different perspectives can enrich our interpretations of people and material culture.
In addition to my professional positions, I have also been an active participant in SHA. As a member for over 20 years, I have led and assisted conference planning (2012 and 2016), and currently serve as the society’s book reviews editor. Perhaps one my most important roles was serving as a board member between 2013 and 2016.
Given the qualifications and experience outlined in your biographical statement, what do you believe you can contribute to SHA if elected?
I have worked in the field of archaeology for over 30 years, and have been employed in federal and state governments, private consulting firms, and universities. These varied perspectives have provided me opportunities to appreciate a range of concerns across our discipline. As such, I closely follow proposed changes to our cultural resource laws, as well as the ethical issues faced by underwater archaeologists.
As MDOT’s Cultural Resources Section Chief, I have not only advocated for the preservation and public appreciation of archaeology and architectural history, but I have worked to bring awareness and respect for historic sites to agency administrators and political figures. My position has provided me with leadership experiences that foster collaborative approaches to difficult problems, despite differing opinions. My ability to facilitate discussions and effectively implement agreed upon plans would be a positive contribution to SHA.
I have attended over 20 SHA conferences and am deeply committed to the organization, the field of archaeology, and to my colleagues. While serving as a conference co-chair and program chair, I gained important experiences and developed close relationships with the SHA business office and board members. My time serving as the book reviews editor has also prepared me for such a leadership position. I understand how SHA operates and recognize the significant strides it has made towards improving publications, maintaining a political presence in D.C., and finding various ways to benefit the membership.
If elected to serve SHA, what priorities would you emphasize?
Over the past decade, I have closely followed the challenges faced not only by SHA, but other anthropological societies. One of our most significant threats continues to be aimed at our federal cultural resource laws. It is imperative that we continue to be proactive in lobbying for the legal framework that protects archaeological resources. Furthermore, we need to be vigilant as rules to our existing legislation are proposed that limit the ability of State Historic Preservation Offices and Federally Recognized Tribes to be successful in their established roles.
If elected, one of my first priorities will be to ensure our members are protected at all SHA sponsored events and conferences. A recent situation at the Society for American Archaeology conference illuminated the need for additional safe guards. In light of this, it would be beneficial to review our sexual harassment and discrimination policy to ensure any potential threats to members’ safety and well-being are anticipated in advance. As a society, we should continue to prioritize a safe and nurturing environment that fosters learning and mentoring for all members.
I would also like to concentrate on the expansion and diversification of our society through membership growth. The continued dedication of the board, and passion of our committees has resulted in a stable membership. I feel strongly about maintaining this growth, but also increasing the number of international archaeologists in our society. One proven avenue for growth in membership has been hosting conferences outside of North America. In addition, I would like to collaborate with other societies and ACUA to identify new avenues to increase and diversify our membership.
Finally, it is very important to maintain the synergy and support of programs implemented by past presidents, board members, and committees. The practice of archaeology has complicated issues, such as the curation of collections, that require multi-year management strategies. As such, it is imperative we continue to follow and lend support to our colleagues tackling these problems. It is also essential to build upon the programs of previous leaders who produced legislation in areas such as public outreach and community empowerment. When initiatives, like the proposed African American Burial Grounds Network Act, gain momentum, we must ensure they are successful and continue to be built upon.
SECRETARY
Sarah E. Miller
Present Position: Director, Northeast and East Central Regions, Florida Public Archaeology Network, St. Augustine, Florida
Education: M.A., Anthropology, East Carolina University, 2001; B.A., History, Secondary Education, Cornell College, 1995
Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies:
- SHA: Member, Board of Directors 2016–2019; Chair, Heritage at Risk Committee 2017–present; Chair, Public Education and Interpretation Committee 2011–2016; Member, Nominations and Election Committee, 2013 and 2019; Popular Chair, Amelia Island Conference Committee, 2010
- Society for American Archaeology (SAA): Chair, Ethics Revision Task Force II, 2018–present; Public Education Committee, 2018–present; Chair, Local Advisory Committee, 2016 Annual Meeting
- Southeastern Archaeological Conference (SEAC): Member, Public Outreach Grant Committee 2013–present
- Center for Archaeological Synthesis: Member, Board of Directors
- Heritage Emergency National Task Force, 2018–present: SHA Representative, 2018–present
- Project Archaeology: Member, Leadership Team 2012–2018 and State Coordinator for Florida 2006–present
- Journal of Archaeology Education: Member, Editorial Board, 2017–present
Research Interests: heritage education; North American historical archaeology; public archaeology; cemetery preservation; advocacy; stewardship; climate change/heritage at risk
Biographical Statement:
It’s an honor to be nominated for Secretary of SHA. Currently I serve as Regional Director for both the Northeast and East Central Regions of the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), recipient of the 2015 Daniel G. Roberts Award for Excellence in Public Historical Archaeology by SHA. I supervise other professional archaeologists as we work together to serve the needs of 5 million residents and visitors over a 15 county region spanning Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Orlando, Canaveral, all the way down to Lake Okeechobee. As part of my work for FPAN I developed training programs for professionals and non-professionals in heritage education, archaeology advocacy, cemetery preservation through the Cemetery Resource Protection Training (CRPT) program, and understanding the impacts of climate change on cultural resources through the Heritage Monitoring Scout (HMS Florida) program. I received my Master’s degree in Anthropology from East Carolina University in 2001 after developing archaeology education programs at Tryon Palace in New Bern under the supervision of Charles Ewen and Patricia Samford. Upon graduation from ECU, I supervised lab and field projects for the Kentucky Archaeological Survey, including excavations at the Henry Clay Estate under Principal Investigator Kim McBride, excavation and artifact analysis of historic cemeteries around the state, and a landscape study tracing the Catholic diaspora from Maryland to Kentucky. While at Kentucky I also served as a reviewer for compliance projects at the Kentucky Heritage Council (SHPO).
Given the qualifications and experience outlined in your biographical statement, what do you believe you can contribute to SHA if elected?
If elected I would work to expand communication to membership throughout the year, as well as continue networking with national and international partners on behalf of SHA. Communication to membership throughout the year and on a variety of platforms helps to build cohesion of our community from January to January. We also need to continue to increase communication to the public about the importance of historical archaeology and promote visibility of each other’s projects so the public—including elected officials—are aware of the benefits of historical archaeology. Communication in different forms extended from the Heritage at Risk Committee this past year where as Chair I submitted comments on Vol 2. Fourth National Climate Assessment, initiated the motion for SHA to join the Global Climate Action Summit and Climate Heritage Network, and developed partnerships with international heritage at risk organizations at the EAAs. I hope to continue working closely with the board on these efforts as Secretary and hope to draw in new international members as the Lisbon 2021 conference approaches.
Advocacy is another area I feel I can continue to contribute to SHA. During my time on the Board I took advantage of every opportunity to work with Cultural Heritage Partners staff and the Coalition for American Heritage by making the rounds on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The Senators, Representatives, and staff I met with acknowledged the importance of American heritage but needed much more information on sites in their districts, the benefits of archaeology in their own state, and information related to legislation that would come before them in committee. The African-American Burial bill came about during my time on the board and I worked as part of the committee to review material, provide local examples and resources for abandoned African-American cemeteries, and asked my elected officials to support the draft legislation. I brought what I learned back to Florida where FPAN participates in an annual archaeology day at the Capitol and contributed text for advocacy information available online. As Secretary I would continue to engage with elected officials at every level to advocate for cultural resources.
If elected to serve SHA, what priorities would you emphasize?
If elected to serve as secretary, I would continue to bring issues of professional development, multidisciplinary partnership, and public outreach to the forefront of board conversations. We need access to workshops and webinars to further develop our professional skills. We need to work with other organizations and across committees to integrate our combined knowledge to tackle greater issues. And we need to continue to communicate with the public about the benefits of archaeology in their communities as well as worldwide.
Prior to cycling off the SHA Board I was appointed to serve as SHA representative to the Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF), sponsored by FEMA and the Smithsonian, and the SHA representative on the board for the Coalition of Archaeological Synthesis (CfAS) for which I now serve as secretary. I’m proud to serve SHA in these two capacities, as both speak to archaeologists’ ability to draw upon data and methods to help address some of the largest global threats today, and hope to continue serving in a similar vein as Secretary for SHA.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jodi A. Barnes
Present Position: Research Associate Professor and Station Archeologist, University of Arkansas, Arkansas Archeological Survey
Education: Ph.D., Anthropology, American University, Washington, DC, 2008; Graduate Certificate, Women’s Studies, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 2002; B.A., Anthropology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 1999
Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies:
- SHA: Associate Editor, Historical Archaeology, 2018–present; Member, Gender and Minority Affairs Committee, 2010–present; Chair, Gender and Minority Affairs Committee, 2010–2012; Member, Academic and Professional Training Committee, 2008–present; Member, Student Sub-Committee of the Academic and Professional Training Committee, 2007–2008
- Southeastern Archaeological Conference: Member, Public Outreach Committee, 2018–present
- Preserve Arkansas: Vice President of Advocacy, 2019; Past-President and Secretary, 2018; President, 2017; President Elect, 2016; Vice President of Education, 2015; Member, Board of Directors, 2014–present
- Arkansas Archeological Society: Program Chair, Tunican Chapter of the Arkansas Archeological Society, 2013–present; Poster Design, Archeology Month, 2016; Member, Annual Meeting Planning Committee, 2016
- Drew County Museum Commission: Member, Board of Advisors, 2015–present; Assistant Journal Editor, Drew County Historical Journal, 2016–2017
- Archaeological Society of South Carolina: Journal Editor, South Carolina Antiquities, 2009–2013
Research Interests: archaeology of the African diaspora; World War II Home Front heritage; public archaeology; contemporary archaeology; feminist theory; intersectionality; antiracism; foodways; health
Biographical Statement:
I am an Associate Research Professor and Station Archeologist with the University of Arkansas’ Arkansas Archeological Survey. My position combines teaching, research, public outreach, and heritage management. My research focuses on the archaeologies of health and foodways at 19th century Hollywood Plantation and the material life of Camp Monticello, a World War II Italian prisoner of war camp. After completing a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of South Carolina, I worked as the Staff Archaeologist for the South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office, where I learned about state and federal legislation, the whys and hows of CRM, and how to make archaeological research relevant to the public. I also conducted research in Argentina, Belize, and Virginia, where I wrote my dissertation on an African American community in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
I am the editor of The Materiality of Freedom (2011) and co-editor of Managing Cultural Resources: Global Context, National Programs, Local Actions (2008). I publish in peer reviewed as well as local journals to show archaeology’s relevance to the various publics that I work with. For example, I recently edited a thematic issue of Historical Archaeology, Intimate Archaeologies of World War II (2018) and in an upcoming issue of the Arkansas Archeological Society’s newsletter, Field Notes, I co-authored an article about working with timber companies to protect sites on their property.
I strive to engage responsibly and creatively with academic and nonacademic communities to demonstrate the roles archaeology can play in addressing contemporary issues. I partner with Preserve Arkansas, a non-profit committed to building stronger communities through historic preservation, to produce the Behind the Big House program. In its fourth year, it explores slave dwellings (and foodways), interprets the experiences of the enslaved people who inhabited them, and draws attention to race relations in Arkansas’ past and present.
Given the qualifications and experience outlined in your biographical statement, what do you believe you can contribute to SHA if elected?
I joined the SHA Student Sub-Committee of the Academic and Professional Training Committee (APTC) in 2007 and I have been an active member of APTC since. I was the Chair of the Gender and Minority Affairs Committee from 2010–2012, where I spearheaded the antiracism training, mentorship, and field school and travel fellowships. I continue to be an active member, participating in antiracism and sexual harassment trainings and co-organizing panels and symposiums that identify and challenge systems of oppression to create equity in our discipline. If elected, I bring this knowledge and experience to the Board. I also contribute my experience organizing conferences and other events such as the 2008 post-doctoral fellows conference, The Archaeology of the Recent African American Past, at the University of South Carolina and the Fifth World Archaeological Conference in Washington, DC.
The SHA has become a leader in working towards institutional change through antiracism and sexual harassment workshops, advocating for historic preservation, and making archaeology relevant to the public. From working with the Coalition for American Heritage to pass the African American Burial Grounds Network bill to advocating for the Arkansas Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Act, I bring experience influencing public policy about archaeology and historic preservation.
As the President of a state-wide historic preservation non-profit, an Associate Editor of Historical Archaeology, and an active member of two SHA committees, I understand the challenges of running voluntary organizations and I have the experience to be a proactive SHA Board member. I have knowledge of committee structure and Board operations and I have learned to form creative solutions, manage with few resources, create cost-savvy budgets and attain funding, and work with diverse publics and various local, state, and federal agencies. My work on the GMAC and APTC committees demonstrates my commitment to SHA and advocacy for preservation, anti-racism, and gender equity. I want to help grow SHA while preserving its community vibe, continuing to communicate what we do to the public in new and innovative ways, advocating for archaeological preservation and education, and seeking progressive change within our discipline.
If elected to serve SHA, what priorities would you emphasize?
It would be an honor to serve on the SHA Board, and if elected, I would help lead the continuing efforts of SHA to operate as an organization with a conscience. I will strive towards creating an inclusive community that maintains member benefits, pinpoints the needs of members, and manages a budget that sustains affordable dues. I will continue to work with the GMAC and APTC committees and build stronger bridges between all of the committees to strengthen their working relationships. I would advocate for the anti-racist workshops and other programs that address systems of oppression and encourage underrepresented people to join our organization. With threats to historic preservation legislation, sites, and university programs, it is important for SHA to take a stand to ensure the future of the discipline. I would work with the Board to identify issues of concern to membership and develop methods for members to advocate for these issues and resources. I recognize that the SHA can only attract and keep members if our dues are affordable and our programs meet your needs. I am willing to vocalize support or dissent on matters of concern to our discipline, our members, our community partners, and the people of the past for whom we do this work.
Sara Rivers Cofield
Present Position: Curator of Federal Collections, Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory at Jefferson Patterson park and Museum
Education: M.A., Applied Anthropology, University of Maryland, College Park, 2002; B.A., History, Murray State University, 2000
Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies:
- SHA: Chair, Curation and Collections Committee, 2016–present; Member, Nominations Committee, 2016
- Archaeological Collections Consortium: Co-Chair, May 2018–present
- Digital Archaeological Archive of Comparative Slavery (DAACS): Member, Expanding DRC Advisory Committee, 2018–present
- Council of Maryland Archaeology: Member
- Council of Northeast Historical Archaeology: Member
- Society for American Archaeology: Member
Research Interests: material culture studies (especially metal and small finds); curation and collections management; ritual and magic; personal adornment
Biographical Statement:
Since 2004 I have been working as the curator and collections manager for Federally-owned collections recovered in Maryland. In this role I work to raise professional and public awareness of the value of collections-based archaeology. In order to show that collections are still relevant and valuable for research long after the excavations are over, I regularly draw from the MAC Lab’s estimated 8.5 million artifacts to present new interpretations. Writing articles, Instagram posts, and webpages such as sections of Diagnostic Artifacts in Maryland is my way of communicating the usefulness of collections without lecturing about the curation crisis. SHA and other professional organizations must be integral to the effort, as they represent the interface between curators, collections managers, academia, and the CRM world.
At the MAC Lab I am in a position where I can make collections accessible and ensure that they are properly cared for and conserved if needed, but I know most repositories struggle with these goals. Since 2016 I have been working to help with collections on a broader scale by chairing the SHA Curation and Collections Management Committee (CCC) and serving on the Archaeological Collections Consortium (ACC), which is a group that brings together members of SHA, SAA, and ACRA to work on collections concerns in archaeology. With these groups I have listened to colleagues identify common challenges such as underfunding of repositories, lack of consensus in cataloging, the need for guidance on sampling, orphaned collections, and the need to promote collections-based research. I am interested in taking these topics on. Even though the challenges can seem unsurmountable, it is work that needs to be done.
Given the qualifications and experience outlined in your biographical statement, what do you believe you can contribute to SHA if elected?
In my day job I routinely work with many different stakeholders such as state government, federal agencies, and the CRM firms and academic programs generating collections in Maryland. Through the CCC and ACC I have worked with an equally diverse group of archaeologists and professional organizations with a national and international reach. In addition to working with archaeologists from every corner of the discipline in the present, I spend a lot of time looking back as I use existing collections for new research. As one of the people charged with keeping collections and records in perpetuity, I also have an eye to the future so I can be ready to preserve and protect all of the amazing research products generated by new technologies. I believe the greatest asset I could bring to the leadership of SHA is the long-view perspective that comes from the constant navigation between past research, present practice, and preparation for the future of the discipline.
While my years of service to the ACC and CCC have been productive, I recognize that the people drawn to these groups already have the best interests of collections in mind. What is needed is better integration with the people who write budgets and scopes of work, and the field and lab archaeologists generating collections. That means collections-minded archaeologists need to step up into leadership roles where it is possible to listen to different perspectives and work on policies that are feasible, affordable, and of benefit to all in the profession.
I bring a working knowledge of the many regulations, laws, policies, and ethics that guide archaeology, but I also understand that all such rules are subject to change. I love my job and care deeply about historical archaeology, so when changes do take place, I want to be a part of the conversation.
If elected to serve SHA, what priorities would you emphasize?
Obviously collections are near and dear to me, but the CCC and ACC are where I work to make progress on curation issues. If elected as a member of the SHA Board my priority would be to support all of the Committees in their work, not just my own.
As events at the SAA 2019 conference have shown, professional organizations need to be nimble enough to roll with current movements and address whatever concerns come up. Volunteer organizations such as SHA seem to get the most done when a lot of people care about the same thing, whether it is increasing the diversity of the membership, embracing the #metoo movement by updating sexual harassment policies, or uniting against deregulation threats such as proposed changes to the National Historic Preservation Act. I would emphasize the need to embrace the momentum of the moment whenever there is an opportunity to make real progress on any issue of concern to SHA.
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE
Lewis Jones
Present Position: Adjunct Professor of Anthropology at Gettysburg College/ Harrisburg Area Community College
Education: M.A., Indiana University Bloomington, IN
Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies:
- SHA: Chair, Gender and Minority Affairs Committee
Research Interests: African Diaspora; consumption and citizenship; Consumption Committee and the Color Line; race, ethnicity and the landscape
Biographical Statement:
Lewis Jones received his B.A. in History with a Minor in Anthropology, and a B.S. in Secondary Education from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis in 2006. His M.A. in Anthropology was received in 2013 and Lewis is currently ABD in the department of Anthropology at Indiana University in Bloomington Indiana. He currently serves as a Chair of the Gender and Minority Affairs Committee and has been an active member of the committee for the past 5 years working with the Anti-Racism subcommittee. He is a Member of the Society of Black Archaeologists, and the American Anthropological Association. Lewis works with local schools in bringing anthropology and archaeology to local middle school and elementary students. He also has spoken at Harrisburg Area Community college and Indiana University Pennsylvania on Confederate Monuments, Memory, and Historic Preservation. He is currently starting work with the Gettysburg African American Museum on preserving the history of Gettysburg’s African American Community. Lewis is currently an Adjunct Professor at Gettysburg College as well as at Harrisburg Area Community College.
Given the qualifications and experience outlined in your biographical statement, what do you believe you can contribute to SHA if elected?
I have a background in working with and helping others to understand the importance of having open lines of communication. I understand and embrace the concept of allowing others to take agency for their ideas and employing them to better the organization, and I believe that I can use those talents to foster the relationships needed to help make sure that our members are receiving the equitable treatment that is needed to ensure that those both inside and outside the field of archaeology feel that they can have a voice in how we do our work.
If elected to serve SHA, what priorities would you emphasize?
If elected to the nominations committee my main priorities would be ensure that the nominations process remains fair and equitable with a focus on looking for members of the SHA who represent the ideals we have for a better future for our organization as well as our profession as we move through the 21st century. I believe that by working for a diverse and equitable SHA we will see our membership flourish and our work as an organization will have the impact for an equitable future that we all desire.
Chelsea Rose
Present Position: Research Archaeologist, Southern Oregon University Laboratory of Anthropology
Education: M.A., Cultural Resources Management, Sonoma State University, 2009; B.A., Anthropology and History, University of Oregon, 2007
Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies:
- Oregon Heritage Commission (governor appointed): Chair, 2016–present
- Oregon Historical Society’s Oregon Historical Quarterly: Member, Editorial Board, 2015–present
- Association of Oregon Archaeologists: Vice President, 2010–2013
Research Interests: Chinese Diaspora Archaeology; public archaeology; community archaeology; heritage tourism; archaeology and the media; STEM, building collaborative partnerships to promote and support archaeological research and heritage
Biographical Statement:
I am a research archaeologist with Southern Oregon University Laboratory of Anthropology where I have spent the last decade researching the settlement and development of the American West. Where possible, I have incorporated students, community members, and public volunteers into archaeological investigations on sites associated with emigrant trails, the Rogue River Indian Wars, pioneer settlements, mining camps, railroad sites, and immigration. Most recently I have been working on a multi-agency collaborative research project named the Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project (OCDP). This project includes partnerships with state and federal agencies, museums, and historical societies and has led to a variety of public history and archaeology events, including Passport in Time (PIT) projects, public lectures, guided history hikes, and open site days. Throughout my career I have worked with a variety of TV, radio, and print media to spotlight archaeology and heritage issues. In order to keep the archaeological process accessible and transparent after the field, I seek out heritage partners and encourage community stewardship of archaeological resources. To this end I have a monthly segment on a public radio station and contribute to a variety of local and regional publications. I have also partnered on the creation of two digital collections, the Jim Rock Historic Can Collection and the Chinese Material Culture Collection, which are designed to serve as a resource for archaeologists and the public.
Given the qualifications and experience outlined in your biographical statement, what do you believe you can contribute to SHA if elected?
If elected to the Nomination and Elections Committee, I would bring a strong background in public and media outreach. Sustained support for cultural heritage, both financial and political, cannot be taken for granted, and it is important that organizations like the SHA take an active role in fostering public awareness and support for the field. In addition to the many collaborative partnerships I have worked on doing public archaeology, my work on the Oregon Heritage Commission has allowed me to participate in finding creative solutions to challenges faced by organizations ranging from large museums to small volunteer-run historical societies. This has included the creation of tool kits aimed at creating and communicating more holistic and inclusive community histories, updating antiquated language that alienates potential stakeholders, and helping to establish heritage programming that appeals to a wider demographic. Much of this work highlights the ways archaeologists can be better allies within their community, which not only adds richness to collaborative projects, but helps to reinforce the important work we do and why the public should continue to support it.
If elected to serve SHA, what priorities would you emphasize?
If elected to the Nomination and Elections Committee I would encourage increased interdisciplinary collaboration both in and outside of academia. As professionals, we need to be more active in challenging antiquated rhetoric and inaccurate presentations of the past, create space for historically marginalized voices, and encourage more inclusive histories. We need to look beyond traditional partnerships in order to continue to push our discipline forward. My Chinese diaspora work has recently taken me to southern China, and this has not only highlighted the value of transnational research, but has also exposed me to a new set of stakeholders and historical knowledge that has made my projects in Oregon undeniably richer. In addition to learning from working with others, the membership can serve as a valuable resource by providing content and expertise to audiences passionate about history. The more involved archaeologists are in sharing the stories of our human past, the more we can influence the narrative and address contemporary social issues. Archaeology has a universal appeal that rises above partisan politics and has the potential to unify disparate populations. I would like to see the SHA take a more active leadership role in this manner in order to facilitate ongoing public support for the discipline, help build stronger communities, and to explore increased avenues for the dissemination of the data that we are gathering about the past.
ACUA Board of Directors
Chelsea Rachelle Freeland
Present Position: Senior Analyst, Cultural Property—U.S. Department of State (contractor)
Education: M.A., Maritime Studies, East Carolina University; B.A., History and Chemistry, Austin College
Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies:
- North Carolina Maritime History Council: Tributaries Editor, Board Member, 2018–present
- Alexandria Archaeology Museum: Museum Educator and Volunteer Maritime Archaeologist, 2017–present
Research Interests: international art market; illicit trade of cultural property; international cultural heritage law; use of archaeology for nation building and identity formation, particularly in conflict zones
Biographical Statement:
When I was little, I was pretty sure I was going to be an archaeologist, but diplomat was something I never expected—it has been the biggest challenge in my career so far. As it turns out, you need quite a bit of tact to speak … diplomatically … about cultural heritage. In my current position in the Cultural Heritage Center at the U.S. Department of State, I work on international heritage policy and conduct research on the illicit trade of cultural property, including from conflict zones. I’ve represented the U.S. abroad, conducting research into cultural property protection and preservation; I also serve as a liaison for stakeholders in the U.S. art market. I study international heritage law to assist in the U.S. treaty process to prevent illicit artifacts from coming onto the U.S. art market. I’m also, perhaps not shockingly, the only underwater archaeologist at the State Department, which means I have the great responsibility—and pleasure—of consulting on maritime projects around the world. Prior to my archaeologist/diplomat life, I worked as a contractor for the Departments of Transportation and Defense, working on maritime material culture studies and conducting archival research. I also spent a field season in the very non-maritime environment of the Arabian Peninsula desert, where I learned a great deal about camel bones and Islamic art.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/freelandchelsea/
Given your qualifications and experience, what do you believe you can contribute to the ACUA/SHA if elected?
In my work on antiquities trafficking, I’ve been humbled by the level of coordination and willpower required to accomplish change across international boundaries, but also amazed at the results such dedication can reap. If elected, I would be able to bring my expertise on international law and policy to the ACUA, along with a wide-view perspective on issues across the world. I’m confident in my ability to communicate across cultural boundaries, build lasting international relationships, and work toward expanding capacity across the globe. In other roles, I’ve served as a professional editor both for archaeology theses and journal articles, as well as in marketing publications. In the last year, I’ve helped to revive the North Carolina Maritime History Council’s publication, Tributaries, back from a multiyear hiatus. I’m always happy to serve as an editor and could bring that technical and organizational skillset to the ACUA’s publications.
If elected, what priorities would you emphasize taking into consideration the ACUA and SHA missions and goals, ongoing committee activities, and the management and financial challenges of the society?
I would love to see maritime and historical archaeology brought into larger conversations about international cultural heritage protection and preservation. I think there’s a tendency to exclude these groups because they aren’t focused on antiquities, or people don’t understand how underwater research works—and that is absolutely a detriment to the field as a whole. The ACUA has the ability to raise the profile of underwater archaeology so that international heritage protection doesn’t stop at the water’s edge.
Kendra Kennedy
Present Position: Cultural Resource Specialist with Argonne National Laboratory
Education: M.A., Historical Archaeology/Anthropology, University of West Florida, 2010; B.A., Anthropology, French, and Computer Applications, University of Notre Dame, 2002
Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies:
Ohio-based Maritime Archaeological Survey Team (MAST): Board Member
Research Interests: geophysical survey and interpretation; unmanned and autonomous vehicles in archaeological survey
Biographical Statement:
Kendra Kennedy has over 17 years of experience as an archaeologist, both maritime and terrestrial, in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Gulf South. She is employed as a Cultural Resource Specialist with Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago. Ms. Kennedy received her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, French, and Computer Applications from the University of Notre Dame and her Master of Arts in Historical Archaeology from the University of West Florida. She has worked as an archaeological consultant, SHPO compliance reviewer, instructor, and grant writer for private, academic, and nonprofit organizations and state and federal agencies. She specializes in geophysical survey and interpretation and is very interested in the increased use of unmanned and autonomous vehicles—underwater, aerial, surface, etc.—for archaeological survey. Ms. Kennedy is passionate about public outreach and working with citizen scientists to advance the discipline. She currently serves as a board member of the Ohio-based Maritime Archaeological Survey Team (MAST) and is a member of the Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago.
Given your qualifications and experience, what do you believe you can contribute to the ACUA/SHA if elected?
If elected, what priorities would you emphasize taking into consideration the ACUA and SHA missions and goals, ongoing committee activities, and the management and financial challenges of the society?
Thank you to the voting membership of the SHA for considering my candidacy for the ACUA. If elected to the ACUA, I will bring to the Council a nuanced understanding of the various worlds of archaeology and the potential and stresses inherent to each due to my broad range of experience as a terrestrial and maritime archaeological consultant and compliance reviewer (i.e., both sides of the coin) in the private, government, and nonprofit sectors. In addition, my firsthand work with citizen scientists, particularly avocational underwater archaeologists, has provided me with a clear understanding of what archaeologists can and need to do to further educational outreach and encourage responsible public participation in maritime archaeology. If elected, I will prioritize increasing ACUA’s outreach to citizen scientists and organizations that work with and train them. As a new mother at a time when female archaeologists have become a major part of the archaeological work force, I promise I will also strive to find feasible ways to facilitate and encourage conference participation for archaeologists with infants and small children. This is especially important in our field since most archaeologists “go where the work is” and are thus unable to rely on the assistance of often distant friends and family. Finally, if elected, I will also bring to bear my experience in fundraising and technological innovation to all aspects of my work with the ACUA. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Jeneva Wright
Present Position: Underwater Archaeologist supporting Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Partnerships and Innovations Directorate (SNA International CTR)
Education: M.A., East Carolina University; B.A., University of Montana
Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies:
- SHA: Member, 2013–present
- Register of Professional Archaeologists: 2015–present
Research Interests: World War II submerged cultural heritage; climate change impacts to submerged sites; battlefield archaeology; history and archaeology of the global slave trade; marine remote sensing data acquisition and interpretation; citizen science
Biographical Statement:
Following graduation from ECU’s Program in Maritime Studies, Jeneva began her career as an underwater archaeologist with the National Park Service Submerged Resources Center. She departed the NPS to support the Partnerships and Innovations Directorate of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, tasked with conducting research and coordinating projects to locate and recover missing U.S. service members associated with submerged aircraft losses. She has conducted field projects around the world, ranging in focus from the documentation of tropical shipwrecks and alpine lake habitats, to searching for shipwrecks associated with the global slave trade. Her publication history focuses on climate change research, particularly its impacts and interactions with submerged or coastal cultural heritage. Her efforts currently focus on the planning, development, and management of field missions led by DPAA partners worldwide.
Given your qualifications and experience, what do you believe you can contribute to the ACUA/SHA if elected?
The core of my professional experience centers on collaboration and teamwork. My commitment to communication and bridge-building results in inclusive partnerships that acknowledge competing priorities to create shared goals. Given the diversity of stakeholders in our field and the resultant wide range of concerns, this dedication is an asset I would direct toward the development of innovative and productive solutions to the challenges facing the ACUA board.
If elected, what priorities would you emphasize taking into consideration the ACUA and SHA missions and goals, ongoing committee activities, and the management and financial challenges of the society?
My priority would focus on outreach to multi-disciplinary partners. Whether the challenge is tackling the next frontier of deep-water investigations, understanding the devastating threats that climate change poses to submerged and coastal sites, or fostering inclusivity and diversity to champion all members of our field, I believe that solutions are best sought by expanding our horizons and seeking pluralistic viewpoints and expertise. Underwater archaeology cannot exist in a vacuum, and my emphasis would be on forging connections to increase sustainability, efficiency, and knowledge transfer.