Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Could Transform Archaeological Research and Preservation

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Could Transform Archaeological Research and Preservation
In Peru, home to the spectacular Inca city of Machu Picchu and thousands of ancient ruins, archaeologists are turning to drones to speed up sluggish survey work and protect sites from squatters, builders and miners. Remote-controlled aircraft were developed for military purposes and the US is increasingly using them to attack alleged terrorists, but the technology’s falling price means it is increasingly used for civilian and commercial projects around the world. http://bit.ly/17sw3wz – The Guardian

History Colorado Presents an Impressive Array of Historic Preservation Grants
At the Office of Archaeology & Historic Preservation and the State Historical Fund, we’re excited about the projects we support.  Organizations around the state are working hard to preserve Colorado’s historic buildings and sites, and now it’s your chance to read a selection of their stories. http://bit.ly/14b7Vj2 – History Colorado

INAH Struggles with Commercial Chocolate Museums
A row in Mexico about the construction of museums of chocolate at Chichen Itza, the Mayan complex in the Yucatán peninsula that is a Unesco World Heritage site, and in nearby Uxmal, has revealed deep divisions within the National Institute of Archaeology and History and called into question the institute’s management of such sites. Opponents of the planned museums, some of whom work for the institute, organised a public campaign that resulted in the institute ordering work to stop on the Choco-Story Museum at Chichen Itza. The chocolate museum was being built on private property but within the site’s protected archaeological zone—around 30 metres from the Great Ball Court of Chichen Itza. Starting construction without a permit breaks a law that protects Mexican national heritage.  http://bit.ly/1dyaqiB  – The Art Newspaper

Chaco Recognized for its Preservation of Dark Skies
The 34,000-acre Chaco Culture National Historical Park is home to many ancient wonders including the remains of a civilization that thrived over 1,000 years ago. The park, which has been protecting its archaeological riches since it was established in 1907, is now protecting its views of the starry skies too. It has just been named as the International Dark-Sky Associationʼs newest Dark Sky Park. http://bit.ly/19YkTjz – International Dark Sky Association

Unclaimed Settlement Funds Might Create Large Foundation to Support Indian Farming
It’s an unusual twist for Washington these days: There’s money left over from a $680 million settlement the federal government awarded American Indian farmers in 2010 after decades of discrimination. A three-year claims process is complete, and more than half the settlement money is still available. The plaintiffs want to use the unexpected $380 million windfall to form a foundation that could be the largest Indian country has ever seen. http://bit.ly/17eccwO – Associated Press via the Arizona Daily Star

Lecture Opportunity – Cortez
The Hisatsinom Chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society, with the Four Corners Lecture Series, presents Dr. Stephen Lekson to discuss Chaco Canyon: Capital of the Northern Southwest on Wednesday, September 11, at 7 PM at the Anasazi Heritage Center. Chaco has been intensely studied for over 100 years, yet we cannot agree on what Chaco was. Is Chaco an unresolvable mystery? Lekson’s presentation reviews current ideas about Chaco, and reaches a conclusion. Contact Diane McBride at 970-560-1643 with questions about this program.

Tour Opportunity – Chaco Canyon and the Middle San Juan
From Thursday through Monday, September 26-30, veteran southwestern tour guide Marc Severson will lead Old Pueblo Archaeology Center’s “Chaco Canyon, Aztec, and Salmon Great Pueblos and Other Archaeological Sites” educational tour to sites in northwestern New Mexico.  This is a drive-your-own-vehicle tour with overnight stays in Gallup and Farmington, NM. Fee $195 ($175 for Old Pueblo Archaeology Center and Pueblo Grande Museum Auxiliary members) does not include transportation, meals, lodging, or gratuity for Mr. Seowtewa. Reservations required by September 19.  http://bit.ly/17xP1jB – PDF via Old Pueblo Archaeology

Thanks to Jim Bonk and Cherie Freeman for contributions to this week’s newsletter.