LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear SPA Members:

Over the last few months several issues have arisen which are, I believe, of concern to us all. I would like to bring them to your attention, ask that you consider them, and solicit your thoughts.

1. PASS File Access

The first concerns a proposal by the Bureau for Historic Preservation (BHP) to expand access to the Pennsylvania Archaeological Site Survey (PASS) site files. Most of you are familiar with the BHP's site registration forms and the trinomial system for designating archaeological sites (e.g., 36MR71).  The PASS files contain the information on sites across the Commonwealth submitted by both professional and avocational archaeologists. You may also know that some years ago the BHP computerized the PASS files into an electronic database which incorporates the information from the site registration forms. Over the past couple of years the BHP and PennDOT have labored to develop a Geographic Information System (GIS) combining the PASS database with a variety of geographic information (e.g. soils and topographic maps) to greatly enhance the utility of the site data.

Originally, the GIS was intended for use by PennDOT and BHP staff, and professional consultants. The BHP is now considering making it available to municipal governments for land-use planning purposes. This move is prompted by a problem with which we are all too familiar - the rapidly accelerating destruction of archaeological sites by private development, especially following the passage of Act 70. It is hoped that if municipal authorities have ready access to site location information they may take this into consideration along with all the other variables which go into local permitting. With the recent weakening of both state and federal environmental and cultural resource regulations, municipal governments may be the last line of defense for many archaeological sites (see Item 2, below).

Unfortunately, this proposal is not without complications. There is the usual, and certainly important concern about site location information falling into the hands of looters. A variety of ways to control this problem may be feasible. A more difficult problem arises due to the source of much of the site location data. Many sites have been recorded based on information obtained from amateur collectors. In some cases, the information was provided with the explicit understanding that the source would be kept confidential and that the information would be available only on a highly restricted basis. It has happened that collectors have gotten into serious
trouble with developers whose plans have been delayed or might be delayed by the presence of recorded archaeological sites on their property, even if the sites were recorded prior to their ownership. It is quite likely that some of the collectors would consider the BHP's proposal as a betrayal of trust, and refuse to provide such information in the future.

The problem is laid out in somewhat more detail by Brian Fritz in his accompanying letter. I personally see the validity of both sides of the question, and am at a loss to come up with a solution. The SPA's Issues Committee is currently struggling with this issue, and I hope they can
develop a workable compromise. If any other members have thoughts on the matter I would be most grateful to hear from you.

2. The Byrd Leibhart Site

As my accompanying letter describes, one of the most important historic period Native American sites in Pennsylvania, the Byrd Leibhart Site in York County, is threatened with destruction due to a proposed housing development. Unfortunately, at this time regulatory protection for the site by federal and state agencies appears weak at best. Loss of the site would tear a big hole in the potential to study the history of the Susquehannocks. I urge all of you to write to the governor, your state legislators, and local officials to express your concerns. The SPA will assist in whatever way it can to help in achieving a reasonable compromise that protects the site.

3. US Route 219 Project Consultation

On a more positive note, the SPA has been asked by PennDOT to act as a consulting party with regard to cultural resource issues arising from the upcoming U.S. 219 project in Somerset County. The study area would extend just over eight miles from the southern end of the existing Meyersdale Bypass to I-68 in Garrett County, Maryland. As a consulting party, we would have the opportunity to comment on PennDOT's proposed actions to address potential impact on archaeological and historic resources. Brian Fritz has agreed to be our representative, assisted by Bill Johnson. Let's hope that this is the first of many such opportunities for the SPA to play a more direct role in the protection of cultural resources.

4. PHMC Grant

I have good news and bad news. The good news is that for the second, consecutive year the SPA has won a Statewide Organization Grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. This grant provides financial support for publications and other public outreach activities by the SPA. We are very grateful for this assistance.

In addition to the main part of the grant, this year we had applied for funds to support the preparation of one or more nominations of Pennsylvania archaeological sites to the National Register of Historic Places. While many sites are determined eligible for listing on the Register, few are actually listed. This may largely be due to the additional paperwork that must be prepared. Unfortunately, the relative lack of archaeological sites on the Register, as opposed to historic buildings and other types of resources, may create the impression in the minds of legislators, government bureaucrats, and the general public that the former are somehow less important and, therefore, less worthy of protection. It was hoped that the SPA could assist in the preparation of some archaeological site nominations and, thereby, prompt others to do the same. Unfortunately, I have been informed that due to budget constraints this part of our application has not been funded. Perhaps, with a little luck, state finances will improve next year and we can try again.

5. Safe Harbor Petroglyph Project

Finally, I want to acknowledge the tremendous job done by Paul Nevin and his associates in conducting an extensive and very detailed project to record the Safe Harbor Petroglyphs. This was accomplished with financial support from the PHMC administered by the SPA.

Philip Perazio
President


Comments from Brian L. Fritz,
Board of Directors, SPA
President, Somerset Chapter

The BHP plan to make PASS information and GIS site locations available to CRM consultants, university anthropology departments, and local municipalities could result in the following pros and cons.

Pros
Ease the burden of BHP in providing site specific information, and the expense of researchers and CRM archaeologists in traveling to Harrisburg to acquire the information.

Ease of information access would encourage much needed regional studies based on existing archaeological date.

Ease of information access may benefit graduate students in their pursuit of information and topics for master’s thesis and dissertation research.

Better protection of recorded sites, particularly in areas of rapid urban and suburban growth where local municipalities have shown an interest in controlling such growth and preserving the historical character of their communities.  This interest has been noted in high growth regions such as greater Pittsburgh and Lancaster County, but seems to be lacking in most rural communities.

Cons
Breaks a long held understanding between collectors who provide site locations and the state in maintaining strict confidentiality of site locations except in the case of legitimate research and site mitigation.

Risks leakage of site information to unscrupulous site diggers and surface collectors.

Deters future recording of site locations.
1.    collectors feel a sense of betrayal
2.    collectors perceive a threat to site location leakage
3.    collectors are concerned that leakage of information will adversely affect their ability for continued surface collection
4.    Collectors are concerned about the legal threats resulting from both past and future information provided to the state

Potential for diminished protection of unrecorded sites due to less recording of sites and reduced communications between professional archaeologists and collectors.

Potential for diminished public outreach resulting from further dividing professional archaeology from collectors, and amateur archaeologists who carry a great deal of the burden in bringing archaeology to the public.

   

SOCIETY FOR PENNSYLVANIA ARCHAEOLOGY
74TH ANNUAL MEETING
May 9 - 11, 2003
HOSTED BY Chapter 24 Bald Eagle Archaeological Society

Call for Papers
Meetings will include a thematic session on the archaeology of central Pennsylvania and two open sessions.  Groups of papers on other topics are also encouraged.  All papers will be limited to 20 minutes.  If you are interested in participating, please submit a preliminary title by February 14, 2003.  The due date for the full abstract is March 14, 2003.  Abstracts should be limited to 150 words.  Please note that all presenters must be both current members of SPA and pre-registered for the meeting, since SPA membership does not include meeting registration.  For further information, contact:
Program Chair:  Melissa Diamanti
    101 N. Pennsylvania Avenue
     Centre Hall, PA 16828
     Phone:  (814) 364 - 2135 (day)
     email: ahcinc@earthlink.net

Registration form for the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology 74th Annual Meeting is included in this mailing. 

Highlights of the Meeting:

OPEN HOUSE will be held on Sat. afternoon at the Matson Museum of Anthropology, Penn State.  Exhibits include worldwide archaeology and contemporary cultures.  

BANQUET SPEAKER:  Dr. David Webster, Professor of Anthropology at Penn State, will speak on recent research in Mesoamerica.

AUCTION:  The auction to raise funds for the SPA will be held in two parts.  Most items will be placed in a silent auction, held during the day on Sat. in the Book Room.  A few items will be in a live auction after the banquet.   Please remember to bring your Auction donations to the meeting.

BOOK AND EXHIBIT ROOM:  To reserve space for publication sales or research exhibits, contact Steve Sywensky at 814-237-0405 or sywensky@aol.com.

   *************************
Field School Listing
Historical Archaeology Field School at Ephrata Cloister

Location:    Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Site:            Ephrata Cloister
Period:        1732-1813 AD; also some prehistoric
Dates:          June 9-August 1, 2003
Sponsors:     The State Museum of Pennsylvania and the
                    Ephrata Cloister Historic Site
Application Deadline:  April 7, 2003; for application contact the Director or visit www.statemuseumpa.org

Director and Contact:   
Stephen G. Warfel
Senior Curator, Archaeology
The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Tel.: (717) 783-2887 - day; (717) 774-5559 – evenings, e-mail: swarfel@state.pa.us

Field School General information:
Academic Credit:  Variable; students may earn academic credits by arranging to take the class as an independent study or internship through their college or university OR take the class on a not-for-credit basis.
Costs:    College/university option = $800 program fee + tuition fees required by college or university
Not-for-credit option  = $800 program fee

"dig kit" = $35 (estimated; required for all students)
texts = $45 (estimated; required for all students)
Optional Costs:   
Housing at nearby college   = $800 for single room (estimated)
Food, other living expenses = $250 (estimated)

Description:  This field school is an intensive eight-week program structured to provide training in excavation techniques, record keeping, artifact identification, processing, cataloging, and classification.  Students devote seven and one-half hours daily to on-site field excavation/laboratory work and four or more hours weekly to artifact identification labs.  Scheduled lecture and discussion of assigned readings supplement hands-on instruction.  Individual achievement is measured by effort, ability to work as a team member, acquired knowledge, quality of completed recording forms, and a required field journal.  No previous experience is necessary, but all applicants must have completed at least one year of an accredited undergraduate program and be capable of manual labor.
                   
The 2003 Historical Archaeology Field School is the eleventh season of a multi-year research project at the Ephrata Cloister Historic Site, a German religious commune founded in 1732.  The project's purpose is to discover and mark the location of original structures, determine their ages and functions, and interpret lifestyles of community members.  Documentary accounts indicate the structure was used as a military hospital during the Revolutionary War.  Investigations will evaluate the validity of oral histories and documentary evidence related to the site.  Students will learn how archaeological and historical information are integrated to yield a more accurate interpretation of the past.

Jacob L. Grimm C14 Award Report

The Westmoreland Archaeological Society, Chapter 23 was the recipient of the 2002 SPA Jacob Grimm C14 dating award. Charcoal from the Consol Site, 36Wm100, Feature 36 fill was submitted to Beta Analytic Inc. for Carbon C14 dating. The date came back with an “intercept of radiocarbon age with calibration curve of 1410 AD +- 60 years”. This was the second date of 1410 AD that has been obtained from the site associated with charnel house #1.

A second C14 date from Feature 130 was received last year with an “intercept of radiocarbon age with calibration curve of 1430 AD +- 50 years.  Feature 130 had very steep sides and was lined with 38 internal post molds that were found on the bottom of the feature floor. F130 contained mostly limestone tempered pottery with a few examples of decorated Drew incised shards.

The Consol field crew wants to thank Eagle Scout, Brad Morgart for choosing our site to perform his Eagle Scout project and supervising his Boy Scout troop and adult Scout leaders in the 400 man-hours of field work in the Boy Scout test trench. Approximately 5,000 artifacts were found, washed and sorted.  The Eagle Scout project report will be included in the final Consol site report.

Member and Chapter Announcements

Eastern States Archaeological Federation
Membership:  ESAF will donate 20% of the membership fee to the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology, Inc. if dues are paid through the SPA.  Membership includes Archaeology of Eastern North America (AENA), and informational announcements throughout the year.
Fees are:  $30.00 Individual membership and $40.00 Institutional.  For postage to foreign countries add $5.00.  Please make checks payable to Treasurer, SPA.  Foreign Checks must be in US funds or drawn on a US bank.  Send to: Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology, Inc., P.O. Box 10287, Pittsburgh, PA 15232-0287

Annual Chapter reports will be mailed to the individual chapters.  The report details the chapter activities for the previous year (2002).  The report is a chapter obligation under the SPA constitution.

Please remember to report chapter officers to the Secretary annually.  This report is necessary for maintaining proper contact with the chapters.  Please report officers even if there has not been a change of positions in your chapter.

Please check you address label to determine your dues status.  The last year of paid dues is above your name on the address label.

Annual Awards Notice

Donna George, Awards Chairman, announces that SPA chapter presidents and secretaries will soon be receiving forms for the nominations of members for the Archey, J. Alden Mason, John Witthoft, Francis Dorrance and Shrader/George awards.  The awards are for the following:  Archey – for significant contributions by an advocational archaeologist; J. Alden Mason – for outstanding contributions by a professional archaeologist; John Witthoft - the SPA chapter that recruited the most new state members; Francis Dorrance  – to a chapter that recorded the most sites; and Shrader/George – to any young person, 18 years old or younger, who’s accomplishments significantly furthered the cause of Pennsylvania archaeology.  Additional forms can be obtained from:  Donna George, Awards Chairman, 370 McDonald Drive, North Huntingdon, PA  15642 , email dlgeorge00@earthlink.net

SPA Constitution Revision has been printed in Vol. 72 (1) of The Pennsylvania Archaeologist.  The Constitution outlines the purpose of the Society, the duties and responsibilities of officers, directors, chapters and members.  Please review the document for changes.
 
Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology, Inc.
Officers for 2002-2003
President:                    Philip A. Perazio, P.O. Box 1117, Stroudsburg, PA 18630
                                   kittarch@sunlink.net
Vice President (1st):    Paul Raber, Herberling Associates, 415 Mifflin Ave.,
                                   Huntingdon, PA 16652 
Vice President (2nd):    Amanda Valko, 116 Englewood Ave. New Castle PA  16105-2129
Secretary:                     Judy M. Duritsa, 301 North Drive, Beech Hills, Jeannette, PA 15644
                                    andross@bellatlantic.net
Treasurer:                     Paul Cowin, 116 Thornwood Drive, Butler, PA 16001-3442
Editor:                          Joe Baker, P.O. Box 462, Boiling Springs, PA 17007                                                                joebear81@aol.com


The Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology, Inc.
P.O. Box 10287
Pittsburgh, PA 15232-0287


Meeting News:                           

The Society for American Archaeology         
68th Annual Meeting                   
Milwaukee, Wisconsin                   
April 9-13, 2003                   
htpp://www.saa.org                    

Newletter Deadline:  March 1, 2003
Send information to the Secretary at:
301 North Drive
Jeannette, PA 15644    or email at:
andross@bellatlantic.net

Middle Atlantic Archaeological Conference
2003 Annual Meeting
Virginia Beach, VA                    
March 14-16, 2003                   
fstocum@state.de.us

New Publications website:
www.altamirapress.com

SPA on the web: www.Quemahoning.com

 

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