A
Anonymous
Guest
This section shows how HB2078 legislation got started and what they (VA DHR and Archaeologists) have as battle plans for US and the future. It also shows that they are afraid of the staunch Va. land rights issues and that they do not want to anger the collecting community.... In my eyes Bubba they have already screwed that pooch ! Check the link posted by Marshall for the full text of the meeting minutes. KEEP FIGHTING this BILL ! NVRHA guys keep up the fight !
Steve Sharpe
B. American Digger/DIV/Looting (Heath)
Hardison explained the history of how the archaeological community came to hear about the incidents of group looting on private sites in Virginia. Specifically, a dig occurred in March on a Civil War site that attracted about 60 people. On November 12 through 14th, there is a similar dig in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Participants pay to be involved in the artifact hunt. Hardison contacted COVA and ASV and asked them to write letter of guidance to DHR on what to do about this issue. Heath set up meeting with DHR in October. Hardison stated that ASV supports COVA on this issue. There was some discussion of protesting the November event either in person or in the media. Heath relayed that the EB talked about what COVA might do to work towards hindering the looting and collecting/sale of artifacts. Some of the issues the EB discussed included: if we want to pursue local or state legislation; reworking regulations on excavating human burials on private property; advocating for a state archaeologist to deal with and be the point person for these issues; and the strong private property rights movement in Virginia. Cressey talked to her delegate (Marian Vanlaningham) to promote state action.
Ideas and suggestions were sought from the membership. Geier emphasized being careful of portraying the collector as the enemy. MacCord echoed this sentiment and offered two approaches: 1) make friends with the collectors, harness their information, and record what they find; 2) give them the authority to designate state archaeological sites. If we want the landowner to protect a site, we need to show them how important it is. We should use their enthusiasm for archaeology and the past to our benefit. Julie Ernstein cited her experience in working for the state of Maryland - one of most useful techniques for preserving sites on private land was the purchase of easements. She stated that if this organized looting was occurring in Maryland, the state archaeologists would join with the statewide preservation advocacy group because they already employ a lobbyist. Heath noted that this had been recommended; another suggestion is to partner with the Civil War battlefield group. Boyd argued that the only way to stop this is public education and urged COVA to write letters, talk to people, and flood newspapers with letters to editor. Heath worried about getting our message out to those outside of the archaeological community. Hardison mentioned that the individuals in ASV are looking for professional guidance to lead them on this matter. Wormser offered to contact the Texas state archaeologist who is dealing with a similar group. He suggested that ARPA might fit if the looters took human remains across state lines, even if it was excavated from private property. Duncan argued that local legislation is the answer. Cressey offered a broader perspective and proposed that a group start working on a complete strategy for the next 20 years. Cressey feels that archaeologists must participate in our community organizations as a public service and do more than be 'good diggers.' She would like to ask the state to begin to look at funds to hire advertising professionals to develop a "Save Virginia's Past" campaign. Johnson agreed that we need a coherent, long term strategy to deal with the public's attitude towards their past, specifically archaeological sites. Turner suggested that the Threatened Sites Committee address this, look at options and make recommendations to EB and COVA. The APVA has funds for the purchase of properties and easements, which might be something to look into. Heath concluded the discussion by directing the membership to get information and ideas to Geier by the winter meeting.
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Steve Sharpe
B. American Digger/DIV/Looting (Heath)
Hardison explained the history of how the archaeological community came to hear about the incidents of group looting on private sites in Virginia. Specifically, a dig occurred in March on a Civil War site that attracted about 60 people. On November 12 through 14th, there is a similar dig in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Participants pay to be involved in the artifact hunt. Hardison contacted COVA and ASV and asked them to write letter of guidance to DHR on what to do about this issue. Heath set up meeting with DHR in October. Hardison stated that ASV supports COVA on this issue. There was some discussion of protesting the November event either in person or in the media. Heath relayed that the EB talked about what COVA might do to work towards hindering the looting and collecting/sale of artifacts. Some of the issues the EB discussed included: if we want to pursue local or state legislation; reworking regulations on excavating human burials on private property; advocating for a state archaeologist to deal with and be the point person for these issues; and the strong private property rights movement in Virginia. Cressey talked to her delegate (Marian Vanlaningham) to promote state action.
Ideas and suggestions were sought from the membership. Geier emphasized being careful of portraying the collector as the enemy. MacCord echoed this sentiment and offered two approaches: 1) make friends with the collectors, harness their information, and record what they find; 2) give them the authority to designate state archaeological sites. If we want the landowner to protect a site, we need to show them how important it is. We should use their enthusiasm for archaeology and the past to our benefit. Julie Ernstein cited her experience in working for the state of Maryland - one of most useful techniques for preserving sites on private land was the purchase of easements. She stated that if this organized looting was occurring in Maryland, the state archaeologists would join with the statewide preservation advocacy group because they already employ a lobbyist. Heath noted that this had been recommended; another suggestion is to partner with the Civil War battlefield group. Boyd argued that the only way to stop this is public education and urged COVA to write letters, talk to people, and flood newspapers with letters to editor. Heath worried about getting our message out to those outside of the archaeological community. Hardison mentioned that the individuals in ASV are looking for professional guidance to lead them on this matter. Wormser offered to contact the Texas state archaeologist who is dealing with a similar group. He suggested that ARPA might fit if the looters took human remains across state lines, even if it was excavated from private property. Duncan argued that local legislation is the answer. Cressey offered a broader perspective and proposed that a group start working on a complete strategy for the next 20 years. Cressey feels that archaeologists must participate in our community organizations as a public service and do more than be 'good diggers.' She would like to ask the state to begin to look at funds to hire advertising professionals to develop a "Save Virginia's Past" campaign. Johnson agreed that we need a coherent, long term strategy to deal with the public's attitude towards their past, specifically archaeological sites. Turner suggested that the Threatened Sites Committee address this, look at options and make recommendations to EB and COVA. The APVA has funds for the purchase of properties and easements, which might be something to look into. Heath concluded the discussion by directing the membership to get information and ideas to Geier by the winter meeting.
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