Conference Agenda

Instructors: Kimberly Wooten and Julia Huddleson, California Department of Transportation, Cultural Studies Office

This workshop will give an overview of the history and development of plastics, followed by hands-on training with plastic artifacts from the early 1900s through the modern era, with a focus on domestiic sites.

Instructors: Kendra Kennedy, RPA (Wisconsin Historical Society); Garry Momber (Maritime Archaeology Trust)

This workshop is designed to introduce non-specialists to issues specific to underwater archaeology.  Participants will learn about different types of underwater cultural heritage (UCH) and some of the methods employed to help protect those sites.  This seminar is not intended to teach participants how to do underwater archaeology, but instead will briefly introduce different investigative techniques and international best practices.

The National World War II Museum is located at 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, approximately a 15-minute walk from the New Orleans Marriott.

The National World War II Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world - why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today.  You will receive a Museum Compass Pass, which gives you access to all permanent and special exhibits.  The museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., so arrive early and tour the exhibits.  At 1:30 p.m., a private two-hour guided tour of Camapigns of Courage, which follows the American soldier through the experiences of fighting in the European and Pacific Theatres, will begin for those registered for this tour.

Instructors: Thomas A. Crist, Ph.D. (Utica University) and Kimberly A. Morrell (AECOM)

This workshop introduces participants to the practical aspects of locating, excavating, storing, and analyzing human remains from historic-period graves.  It also will address the appropriate role of historical archaeologists in forensic investigations and mass fatality incidents.  Participants will also learn about the basic analytical techniques that forensic anthropologists use to determine demographic profiles and recognize pathologic lessons and evidence of trauma.

Instructor: Jack Scott, Jack Scott Archaeological Illustration
Maximum Enrollment: 30

Pen and ink is all basically a matter of skill and technique, which can be easily taught, and the results can be done faster, cheaper, and are considerably more attractive than the black-and-white illustrations done on the computer.  Workshop participants will learn about materials and techniques, page design and layout, maps, lettering, scientific illustration conventions, problems posed by different kinds of artifacts, working size, reproduction concerns, ethics, and dealing with authors and publishers.

Take a historic and strange tour of the squalid conditions of mass disease that New Orleans has encountered and hear inspiring tales of coping with filthy and four conditions.  Uncover how epidemics such as Yellow Fever, Cholera, and more have infected New Orleans' residents and how the city has recovered.  Learn about odd medical practices of long ago, including how voodoo and religion played a part in trying to contain the "uncontainable."

This tour will leave from the Unique NOLA Tours shop at 815 Toulouse St., New Orleans, LA 70112.

Hidden History, LLC will provide a riding tour of the largest slave revolt in the United States, led by a descendant of the rebels.  The tour will acquaint you with the aim of the revolt: the establishment of a second Black independent republic with its own sovereign state; and its heroic leader, Charles Deslondes.  There will be 10-12 sites and stops during the four-hour tour.

The bus will pick up those registered for the tour at the front entrance of the New Orleans Marriott.

Instructor: Lindsay Bloch, Tempered Archaeological Services, LLC

Most historic button guides emphasize ornate or specialty buttons, not the everyday buttons that most people wore.  Using a material and technological approach, in this workshop we will cover how to identify 18th-20th century buttons of metal, glass, porcelain, organic materials, and synthetics.  We will discuss chronological change in button manufacture and decorations, as well as gendered aspects of button use.  Through lecture and hands-on practice, participants will learn to identify button composition, date, and use context.

Instructors: Kimberly Wooten and Julia Huddleson, California Department of Transportation, Cultural Studies Office

This workshop will give an overview of the history and development of plastics, followed by hands-on training with plastic artifacts from the early 1900s through the modern era, with a focus on domestic sites. 

Minimum of 8 participants.

Focusing on 300 years of New Orleans history, this cruise is narrated by a local historian who takes guests on a journey through the story of the city as you sail downriver to the Jean Lafitte Naitonal Historical Park and the historic Chalmette Battlefield.  Highlights of the tour include the founding of the city by the LeMoyne brothers, the expansion of the city into the "French Quarters" of the Treme and Marigny, the Louisiana Purchase, the critical Battle of New Orleans.  A one-hour shore excursion at the battlefield features a guided tour and talk by National Park Rangers. 

Join us Wednesday evening for the opening session of the SHA 2025 Conference for presentation of the Kathleen Kirk Gilmore Dissertation Award, the James Deetz Book Award, and the SHA Awards of Merit.

The Search for Ancient Landforms off the Washington Coast
Lia Frenchman, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Quinault Indian Nation

To aid the Quinault Indian Nation (QIN) in having a deeper understanding of their coastline and the waters that border the present-day reservation, the QIN Tribal Historic Preservation Office is working together with academic and agency researchers to refine current models for the identification of potential submerged ancient cultural landscapes along the US Pacific Outer Continental Shelf. While the collection of geophysical data will provide us with a picture of where the mighty Quinault River once flowed, integrating these data with Quinault oral histories and traditional knowledge can help us to more fully understand how Quinault people have adapted to rising sea levels across millennia. These measurable processes are more than just numbers that become depictions through the magic of GIS. These types of studies, when done in genuine partnership, feed the People of the landscape their confidence and a reinstated relationship that have been lost through colonization, but still exist in the memories and teachings. This project incorporates this outcome by allowing tribal members to have time with processes and procedures being used, spark new ways of thinking, and help provide an understanding of their individual practices with their lands.

From Change, New Ways to See: Historical Archaeology and Climate
Marcy Rockman, PhD, Director/Principal, Lifting Rocks, LLC

In 2006, archaeologist Shannon Lee Dawdy wrote eloquently about the effects of Hurricane Katrina on her interpretation of a late 18th century site in New Orleans. It’s not that the storm uncovered new artifacts, but rather her experience in helping to manage early stages of recovery in New Orleans gave her a new perspective: deposits she had described as being the outcome of an economic decision were, more likely, a family’s response to trauma. Her realization provides us with a powerful model now for our work in historical archaeology and climate change. 

Climate change is most often described in terms of its physical impacts - sea level rise, storms, droughts, wildfires. But the phenomena of climate change are the outcome of development of the modern world, centuries-long processes of colonialism, capitalism, and industrialization. Thus the study of the development of the modern world - historical archaeology – and those who practice and care for it are interwoven with all of the environmental and social transitions now taking place. And therefore it is important to explore how our experiences of these changes are shaping what we see, both in the past and for our roles into the future. 

Following the Plenary Session, meet up with old friends and make new ones at the Opening Reception.  Complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.

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.

Hosts: Alicia Odewale, University of Houston, and Jodi Skipper, University of Mississippi

Historical Archaeologists have a remarkable ability to unearth and tell compelling stories from what remains of the past - old structure, hidden archives, buried artifacts, and even cultural landscapes on the brink of destruction.  Yet, many face a significant challenge: how to translate these rich histories into public-oriented scholarship that resonates with both publishers and the communities we serve.  Join us as we explore the future of archaeological storytelling and the challenges of writing stories that matter to publishers, communities, and ourselves.  If you would like to discover your own voice in your publishing journey and share stories that reach beyond your academic or professional archaeology circles, then this session is for you.  Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned writer, this session will explore the benefits and challenges of crafting impactful archaeology narratives that change history.

Host: Paul Johnston, Smithsonian Institution

What are the different job types and career tracks in nautical archaeology today?  This discussion will speak to public archaeology (NOAA, National Park Service, BOEM, Parks Canada, Smithsonian, state programs, etc.); private-sector cultural resource management (contract archaeology, consulting); private foundations; academic positions and museum work (public and private), and treasure hunting.

Hosts: Alasdair Brooks, Co-Editor, Historical Archaeology; Annalies Corbin, ACUA Editor; and Mary Sue Daoud, Associate Publisher, Springer

You’ve done the research and synthesized the results. Now you need to share your findings with the community. What are your options?  SHA provides many ways to publish your results: journal Historical Archaeology, Technical Briefs, books co-published with academic presses, and print-on-demand special publications.  This roundtable luncheon offers a relaxed environment for early career researchers and students to ask questions about the SHA publication program and explore the different options available.

Hosts: Sarah Miller, FPAN, and Marcy Rockman, Lifting Rocks - Climate and Heritage Consulting 

Legislation can be dry to read, but it shapes what is valued, funded, and where power and responsibility lie. So thinking about what we want our legislation to say and sharing these ideas with the US Congress and other policymakers is an important muscle for archaeologists to exercise. This roundtable will host a conversation about current climate and heritage policy and build ideas and steps for SHA to take in 2025.

The SHA will hold its annual Business Meeting on Friday, January 10, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Join the SHA Board and congratulate the winners of the Robert L. Schuyler Student Travel Awards, the Ed and Judy Jelks Student Travel Award, the Harriet Tubman Student Travel Grant, the ACUA George Fischer Student Travel Award, the ACUA and Recon Offshore Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Student Travel Conference Award, the GMAC Diversity Field School Competition, the Jamie Chad Brandon Student Paper Prize, the 2025 Mark E. Mack Community Engagement Award, and the ACUA Annual Photo Competition. 

No fee for conference registrants; cash bar.

Enjoy a three-course dinner with the 2025 recipients of the John L. Cotter Award, the Daniel G. Roberts Award for Excellence in Public Historical Archaeology, the Carol V. Ruppé Distinguished Service Award, and the J.C. Harrington Medal in Historical Archaeology.

Cost: $65.00 per person. Pre-registration required.

Choice of entrée: Roasted Chicken on smoked gouda grits with green beans, roasted sweet peppers, and thyme jus or Quinoa jambalaya with blackened tofu, broccolini, and roasted sweet pepper coulis (vegan and gluten-free)

Join us for the presentation of the SHA’s John L. Cotter Award, the Daniel G. Roberts Award for Excellence in Public Historical Archaeology, the Carol V. Ruppé Distinguished Service Award, and the J.C. Harrington Medal in Historical Archaeology.  Following the awards ceremony, plan to dance the night away with your friends – new and old!

The SHA Public Archaeology Day will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Public Archaeology Day is a free and family-friendly event featuring archaeologists, education displays, lectures, and activities geared toward the general public.

The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint is located one mile from the conference hotel and is a leisurely 20-minute walk through the historic French Quarter.