At the Midwest Archaeological Conference this weekend, I learned a handful of interesting things. First, the state of the job market for the archaeological profession in the American Midwest is not great, but does show signs of life. Most people I talked to had suffered to a degree from a slowdown of opportunities. Whether it was paycuts, or staff cuts or unpaid furloughs, many archaeological firms in the midwest have suffered, and uncertainty about the future was expressed by several people. This slowdown has been of a long-standing nature, having begun when President Bush instituted deep cuts in the transportation network construction of the country back in 2001.
Today, things are picking up in some quarters. Some state governors and legislators have chosen to spend President Obama's stimulus money on large construction projects, and in some states, there is quite a bit of work being undertaken beginning this fall. States in those projects are seeking to increase staff as soon as possible, and some of those archaeologists said they were having a hard time finding mid-career supervisory staff. In others, the first of the stimulus money has gone to work that doesn't immediately require new construction. It remains to be seen whether that continues.
Among the papers I saw an astounding demonstration of LiDar, a remote sensing technique that collects topographic data. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is working on an entire map of the state; Melanie Riley of the Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist demonstrated that by refining the technique she could detect earthen structures only four centimeters in height.
- LiDAR Interactive Mapping in Iowa
- Automated Detection of Prehistoric Conical Burial Mounds from LIDAR Bare-Earth Digital Elevation Models
Patricia Sutherland from the Canadian Museum of Civilisation reported on the Helluland Archaeology Project on Baffin Island, where four Dorset Culture sites seem to have practiced trade with the Norse in Greenland.
- Vikings: the North Atlantic Saga (Patricia Sutherland)
And James Brown, faculty member at Northwestern University, received the (much deserved) Distinguished Career Award.
Comments
This is the first time I have had the opportunity to read your blog. I am a fledgling archaeology student at 57 years of age and love my life. Seeing that there may be some hope of employment for me when I complete my undergrad is thrilling.
Thanks so much.
-De
Hi, I have found stones like that of stones found at the “Topper Site” and “Days Knob” sites. the Sculptures are very good. I found Chief’s, Princess, a Puma, Dogs, a Cat’s head, an Ape like creature. And more. I would send photos if you wish, as I could use any help. Bill Waters