Samuel J. Redman Examines “Bone Rooms” and the Practice of Scientific Racism

Samuel J. Redman Examines “Bone Rooms” and the Practice of Scientific Racism
Skeletons and mummified remains of nearly 30,000 people dwell in the vaults of the Smithsonian Institution. Though their voices have long been silenced, what we say about them speaks volumes. In “Bone Rooms,” biological anthropologist Samuel J. Redman describes the cutting-edge technology brought to bear on these remains and the ethical issues Smithsonian scientists grapple with as they consult some of the descendant communities of the individuals represented in the vaults. http://wapo.st/1STutbn – Washington Post

Burnt Corn Pueblo Gets Federal Protection
Seven hundred years ago, a small pueblo along a ridge in the Galisteo Basin mysteriously burned. Corn grown by the inhabitants was left drying on the roofs of the buildings and scattered on the ground when they fled. Archaeologist James Snead, who has worked at the site, calls it “one of the great archaeological puzzles of the Southwest.” http://bit.ly/23QpNL8 – Santa Fe New Mexican

Preservation vs. Transit Development in Albuquerque
A historic preservation group with the city is set to hear arguments over the Albuquerque Rapid Transit project on Wednesday. It’s a regularly scheduled meeting of the Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission, a group with their eye on the city’s rich history. On the agenda — an application to do roadwork on a legendary highway. Some worry this well-known highway will never be the same after a proposed public transit project is put into place, and they’re suing to stop it. Meanwhile, the city is trying to push forward. http://bit.ly/1NgPWP1 – KRQE 13 News

Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Society of New Mexico Starts on April 29
Early registration at the discounted fee ends April 15 for the 2016 Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Society of New Mexico, after which the cost goes from $45 to $55. The Site Steward Foundation’s committee, chaired by its president Gary Newgent, has prepared an outstanding program of panel discussions on Saturday and arranged for some not-to-be missed field trip opportunities for Sunday. http://bit.ly/1VuwfFY – ASNM

National Park Service Notes Large Increase in New Mexico Park Visitation
National parks and monuments in New Mexico saw a surge in visitors in March with White Sands National Monument and the Chaco Culture National Historical Park recording the highest number of visits in many years. Even Carlsbad Caverns National Park, where broken elevators mean visitors have to navigate the equivalent of a 78-story building when they exit the caves, recorded 51,157 visits, its best March since 2008. http://bit.ly/23Qq40s – Santa Fe New Mexican

Voice of America Highlights Mesa Verde    
This week, our National Parks journey across the United States takes us to southwestern Colorado. We are visiting a large U.S. national park called Mesa Verde. It was established to protect the culture of ancient Native Americans. Mesa Verde National Park is over 100 years old. In 1906, then President Theodore Roosevelt signed a bill creating the park. http://bit.ly/1SkHBJ0 – Voice of America

Reminder: Archaeology Café (Phoenix): Archaeology of the Human Experience
On April 19, 2016, Michelle Hegmon (Arizona State University) will present “Archaeology of the Human Experience.” This is a new approach that endeavors to understand what it was actually like to live in the past. It is, in part, inspired by simple but difficult questions often asked by students and visitors to our research projects: What was it like to live in this pueblo? What did people do all day? What did they eat? Wasn’t that hard/uncomfortable/smelly? We meet in the Aztec Room of Macayo’s Central, 4001 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, near the Indian School light rail stop. Presentations begin after 6:00 p.m. It is best to arrive at about 5:30 p.m.in order to get settled, as seating is open and unreserved, but limited. http://bit.ly/23mUvyA – Archaeology Southwest

Lecture Opportunity – Grand Junction
Colorado Archaeological Society (CAS-GJ) monthly meeting will feature Laurie Webster, PhD and Chuck LaRue, Tuesday, April 19, 7-9 PM in Grand Junction City Hall Council Chambers, 5th & Rood Ave. Webster and LeRue will be speaking about their work with the Cedar Mesa Perishables Project, showing slides and sharing replicas of actual Ancestral Pueblo artifacts. Topics may include ancient woodworking, animal use, and hunting practices in southeastern Utah plus sharing new insights from their museum study of early perishable collections.
For more information 970-433-4312 or http://bit.ly/1NYqp6G

Educational Opportunity – Grand Junction
Avocational Archaeological Certification:  Basic Site Surveying Techniques Presented by the Grand Junction Chapter-Colorado Archaeological Society (CASGJ) The course will be presented from  May 6-9, at KAFM’s Radio Room- 1310 Ute Avenue. A fee of 30 dollars is required.  The Grand Junction Chapter and Kevin Black, Colorado Assistant State Archaeologist/PAAC Co-ordinator, will present a short summary of federal and state regulations for cultural resources, survey methods, recording procedures, basic equipment usage, goals and problems of archaeological survey.  Includes a field trip to identify and record sites. All participants in the PAAC program must: Be 15 years of age or older, agree to the PAAC Code of Ethics, and pay a non-refundable fee of 30 dollars per course.  Contact Geoff Peterson, at 970.250.7402 or peterson.geoff@gmail.com for more information.

Congratulations to the Colorado Archaeological Society – Grand Junction Chapter
Colorado Archaeological Society Grand Junction Chapter (CAS-GJ) will celebrate its one-year anniversary Wednesday, April 27, 6-8 PM at the KAFM Radio Room, 1310 Ute Ave. The event is a potluck so please bring a dish and beverage to share. The event is Free though donations and new (and now, renewing) memberships are always appreciated. For more information visit the http://bit.ly/1NYqp6G