Archaeology and Service

Valerie Hall

After a break over the summer  CCASM resumed its monthly meetings on September 8 with a talk entitled "Archaeology and Service" by Valerie Hall.  Since archaeologist are always asked "What is the favorite thing you have found?", Valerie showed some of the interesting artifacts she had found while working at Jamestown and at ASM Field Sessions.  She continued with discussing various outreach projects and research projects that have led to her being a Lab Manager for the Veterans Curation Program (VCP).

The Veterans Curation Program (VCP) was created to process at-risk federal archaeological collections but also to assist qualifying veterans.  It was interesting to hear about the type of training the veterans in the program receive - everything from getting a chance to flint knap to taking photos of artifacts.  But the purpose of the program was not to create archaeological technicians.  Participants also learn skills that have allowed the vast majority of the graduates to find employment (outside archaeology) or to continue their education.  Quite impressive. 

Attendance: 12