Host: Harold Mytum, University of Liverpool

This roundtable lunch is designed for those involved with historic burial grounds, and those interested in venues for heritage interpretation to come together and to consider innovative approaches.  These can include standard tours (though what should be covered in these?), costumed interpreters, drama and music, and combining heritage interpretation with ecological management or using urban burial grounds as green spaces where the heritage awareness is a byproduct of increasing access.

Host: Suzanne Spencer-Wood, Oakland University

Join the discussion about researching gender power dynamics in the past, and relationships in the present.

Host: Alexandria Jones, Executive Director, Archaeology in the Community

The roundtable will focus on various techniques for achieving a successful community archaeology project.  Dr. Jones will share her approach, which involves using her research to advance the goals and heritage aspirations of the community. She will outline the essential skills needed to create, implement, and complete an effective community-supported project.  While there's no one-size-fits-all formula for community projects, being prepared for potential challenges can make a difference.  Join us for a meal and an engaging discussion about the exciting world of community archaeology!

Hosts: Elizabeth Bollwerk, Thomas Jefferson Foundaton, Inc./DAACS and Katherine Sims, City of St. Augustine Archaeology Program
Sponsor: SHA Collections and Curation Program

The SHA Collections and Curation Program offers this roundtable as a forum for discussing current and ongoing issues surrounding the long-term care of collections, data generated by the work that we do, and how to encourage/facilitate Collections-Based Research.  The discussion will be driven by participant concerns and topics.

The Past Presidents’ Student Reception will take place on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Students will have an opportunity to talk to senior professionals about a variety of career paths in historical archaeology. These career paths include: Academia; Private Sector Cultural Resource Management; Government Agencies; Museums and Collections; Public and Community Engagement; and Underwater Archaeology.

Time: Boarding between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and return to dock at 9:00 p.m.

Cruise up and down the mighty Mississippi River into the heart of the signature culture and lifestyle of New Orleans and Louisiana aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ.  Enjoy the sounds of jazz and wonderful New Orleans cuisine prepared on board by Executive Chef, Edward Thel and his staff and served by a team of food service professionals.  

This is the ninth steamer to bear the name NATCHEZ.  Her predecessor, NATCHEZ II, raced the Robert E. Lee in the most famous steamboat race of all time.  The NATCHEZ is proudly the undisputed champion of the Mississippi, never having been beaten – the best of her time!  Her powerful antique steam engines were built in 1925 and are still on view today from the engine room.  Her copper bell, inlaid with 250 silver dollar coins to produce a purer tone, once graced the SS JD Ayres.  Her 32-note steam calliope was custom-crafted and modeled especially for the NATCHEZ.  An evening on the NATCHEZ is truly an evening of excitement! 

The cruise departs from 400 Toulouse Street, a five-minute walk from the New Orleans Marriott.