[Archived] Alexandria Archaeology Receives National Award for Excellence

Society for Historical Archaeology Presents Alexandria with Inaugural Daniel G. Roberts Award for Excellence in Public Historical Archaeology

On Friday, January 6, 2012, the Society for Historical Archaeology (SHA) honored the City of Alexandria and Alexandria Archaeology with an award recognizing the program for 50 years of public service and excellence. The Daniel G. Roberts Award for Excellence in Public Historical Archaeology was presented to City leaders and staff at a banquet in Baltimore during SHA’s annual conference.

Established in 2011, this award was created and endowed by the staff of John Milner Associates, Inc., a cultural resource management firm, to recognize and honor their colleague Daniel G. Roberts, one of the pioneers in public historical archaeology. The award recognizes outstanding accomplishments in public archaeology by individuals, educational institutions, for-profit or non-profit firms or organizations, museums, government agencies, private sponsors, or projects.

Alexandria, the first recipient of this award, was specifically recognized for its outstanding public archaeological accomplishments due to its sustained commitment to public education, volunteerism, the Archaeology Museum, and unique public initiatives through the Office of Historic Alexandria, Alexandria Archaeology, Alexandria Archaeological Commission, and partnership activities with other City departments, the Friends of Alexandria Archaeology, and other groups and individuals.

According to Dr. Pamela J. Cressey, the City Archaeologist, “The award is a fitting tribute to the City’s and the residents’ commitment and innovation.”

City Councilwoman Alicia Hughes and Dr. Cressey accepted the award and were joined by Chair of the Alexandria Archaeological Commission Vince LaPointe, Director of the Office Historic Alexandria Lance Mallamo, City Archaeology staff members, and Mary Jane Nugent of the Friends of Alexandria Archaeology.

Earlier that day, Alexandria Archaeology conducted a symposium on “Fifty Years of Community Archaeology on the Potomac: Lessons from Alexandria.” The City conducted its first archaeological investigation in 1961 to restore a Civil War bastion and create a historical park on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the war. Presenters compared Alexandria to other local programs, and explored the development of archaeology in Alexandria, its findings, collections, and preservation code as well as the public interactive nature including the Alexandria Archaeological Commission. Discussants also examined partnerships, changing community values and topics including African American cemeteries, descendants, memorials, open space and planning.

For more information, contact Alexandria Archaeology by calling 703.746.4399 or visiting www.alexandriaarchaeology.org.

Photo (l-r): Paul Nasca (Alexandria Archaeology), Francine Bromberg (Alexandria Archaeology), Seth Tinkham (Alexandria Archaeological Commission), Lance Mallamo (Office of Historic Alexandria), Pamela Cressey (Alexandria Archaeology), Garrett Fesler (Alexandria Archaeology), Mary Jane Nugent (Friends of Alexandria Archaeology), Kathleen Pepper (Alexandria Archaeological Commission), Vince LaPointe (Alexandria Archaeological Commission), Alicia Hughes (Alexandria City Council), and Bill Lees (President of the Society for Historical Archaeology).