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PRESIDENT'S
MESSAGE
This issue of the PAC Newsletter is a special edition
supported by an organizational grant from the Pennsylvania Historical
and Museum Commission. We have designed it to provide archaeologists
and preservationists in the state with a snapshot of PAC and of
our activities. We hope that this will first give you a sense
of the vitality of the Pennsylvania archaeological community and
second encourage more of the state's archaeologists to join the
organization. Some of you may wonder why you should join PAC.
You may think that it is solely an organization of archaeological
cultural resource professionals or contractors and that our interests
are restricted to compliance issues. In fact PAC's membership
includes academics, archaeologists from state and federal agencies,
and members of large and small consulting firms. We include researchers
and teachers, museum-based archaeologists, regulators, planners,
and retirees. PAC is a community of archaeologists from across
the Commonwealth who are interested in protecting and understanding
Pennsylvania's archaeological heritage. Why should you consider
joining the Pennsylvania Archaeological Council? For the past
15 years, PAC has informed its membership about archaeological
issues in the state. We have testified in legislative hearings
on Act 70 and public hearings on state mining regulations. We
have been a leader in creating archaeological education programs
including Pennsylvania Archaeology Month, the student essay contest,
traveling exhibits, speaker lists, K-12 curricula, and traveling
trunks. We have developed an annual series of symposia on current
research questions of various cultural periods, and worked with
the PHMC to publish the first volume on the Archaic (available
for only $12.95) and the forthcoming volumes on the Paleo-Indian
and Early-Middle Woodland periods. We recently received a grant
from the PHMC to investigate the model of archaeological site
distribution on which the Survey Priorities Plan is based. In
other words, PAC's interests are varied and balanced. One of our
goals is to support research and publication of archaeological
data, another is public outreach about the state's heritage, and
a third is to encourage informed policy decisions by the legislature
and agencies. We promote site preservation through the student
essay contest and a new program of site stewardship awards. We
are pleased that we will be able to present the first site stewardship
award this spring to those that have been responsible for preservation
and interpretative efforts for a petroglyph site- the God Rock.
However, PAC can only be effective if it includes all of the professional
archaeological community. It is an organization that does not
have a professional staff; instead, we rely on the individual
efforts and talents of our members. If you are interested in joining
or have colleagues who may be interested, contact Dan Roberts,
Vice-President and Chair of the Membership Committee for details.
The application requires only a letter requesting membership and
your vita. And if you are a member, try to come to one of the
semi-annual meetings. I hope to see you in the spring. Finally,
I have to close on a sad note. This week, Dr. James Hatch of the
Anthropology Department at Penn State University passed away.
Jim was one of the founding members of PAC. In recent years, his
interests shifted to the southeast and he left the organization.
However, his influence continues through all his former students
who are active members today. All of us on the Executive Board
and the membership extend our deepest sympathy to his family.
We all have lost a friend and colleague.
Beverly ChiarulIi
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Editor's Note: In keeping with the aim of introducing
PAC to a wider audience, we are including a brief history of the
organization, prepared by Verna Cowin, one of the founding members.
History of PAC
The organizational meeting of the Pennsylvania Archaeology
Council (PAC) was held December 18 and 19, 1980 at Carnegie Museum's
Powdermill Nature Preserve in Ligonier Valley. Attending were Ronald
Michael and James Herbstritt from California University of Pennsylvania;
Barry Kent, Stephen Warfel, Kurt Carr, and Brenda Barrett from the
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission; Verna L. Cowin, Richard
George, Stanley Lantz, and James Richardson III from Carnegie Museum
of Natural History; William Johnson and Ronald Carlisle from the
University of Pittsburgh; James Hatch and Conran Hay from Penn State
University; W. Fred Kinsey III from North Museum, Franklin and Marshall
College; and Martha Otto from the Ohio Historical Society. Otto
was recruited to serve as a resource person and to report on the
structure and mission of the Ohio Archaeological Council. In 1980
Pennsylvania had an active regional archaeology program and the
group assembled to determine if there was a need for an organization
to serve as a lobby or pressure group to aid the Bureau for Historic
Preservation (BHP) and the State Historic Preservation Officer.
Following discussions, those present voted unanimously to form an
advisory group to be called the Pennsylvania Archaeological Council
or PAC. A chair, Ron Michael, and a Secretary-Treasurer, W.F. Kinsey,
III were established as the governing body. Jim Hatch was appointed
the chair of a committee to draft the constitution and by-laws.
Minutes of the original meeting indicate that establishing qualifications
for membership was an issue to be resolved, but the following broad
concepts were accepted: "Membership should be relatively small and
restricted and should be limited to practicing archaeologists who
are either Pennsylvania residents or who are working for Pennsylvania
institutions. Membership should be limited to those having demonstrated
research interests in Pennsylvania archaeology. A Membership Committee
should be a standing committee of the Council." Following adoption
of a constitution in 1981, PAC was established to serve as a forum
for professional archaeologists interested in the protection and
preservation of Pennsylvania's archaeological resources. PAC's mission
was four-fold: 1) to provide scientific leadership, 2) to encourage
high standards of professionalism, 3) to promote creative archaeological
research, and 4) to communicate its interests to both its membership
and to citizens with similar interests. The constitution called
for an annual meeting but the group soon agreed to sponsor a second
session to be held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the
Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology (SPA) during which a symposium
relating to Commonwealth archaeology was sponsored by PAC. Papers
from the 1992 session appeared in the "Pennsylvania Archaeologist"
64(1) and recent PAC symposia currently form a new series, "Recent
Research in Pennsylvania Archaeology," published by the PHMC. A
newsletter was established to aid in efforts to communicate problems
and solutions to members and interested parties. A highly active
education committee developed and distributed archaeology programs
to Commonwealth teachers. PAC, SPA, and the PHMC initiated Pennsylvania
Archaeology Week in 1991. This event soon expanded to a month-long
celebration with a variety of programs, including excavations at
City Island in Harrisburg, an annual poster, and an essay contest
for students. Over the years, PAC adjusted the original constitution
and by-laws to meet changing needs within the Commonwealth. The
organization has increased in size and the membership, once heavily
associated with universities and museums, has broadened to include
archaeologists affiliated with cultural resource management firms.
Verna L. Cowin
Carnegie Museum
COOPERATION COLUMN
I am completing a book, Archaeology: Basic Field Methods, for Kendall/Hunt
Publishers and am in need of some graphics. In particular, I'm looking
for photos/slides of: well shafts under excavation (with requisite
safety precautions); large block excavations that employ balks between
units; aerial or any type of photo showing patterned vegetation growth,
crop marks, or introduced species indicating the possible location
of archaeological deposits/sites; wet-site excavations; people outfitted
for survey in remote areas; people dressed in TYVEC suits working
on sites associated with hazardous waste; any glitzy shot (color print
or slide)of field work that might make be part of a book cover. I
will consider black and white or color prints, and slides. All materials
will be acknowledged and returned (eventually). Thanks for your help.
Michael Stewart, Department of Anthropology, Temple University, Philadelphia,
PA 19122; schurch@ushwy1.com.
Please note the numeral "1" in the email address.
CURRENT RESEARCH
Temple University archaeologists have concluded a third field season
on Hendricks Island, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Work continues to
focus on locating and testing sites on the 120 acre property included
in the Delaware Canal State Park. To-date, 5 Native American sites/deposits
have been located that encompass Late Woodland through Late Archaic
times. Deeper/older deposits have been noted but their exact affiliation
has yet to be determined. Of special interest are multiple occupation
floors spanning the Middle Woodland period (circa AD 900/800 to 900/1000
BC). This past season, excavations of Early Woodland/Terminal Archaic
deposits produced basal fragments of a flat-bottomed ceramic pot.
A soapstone tempered ware has also been recovered from comparable
levels. Stratigraphically associated with these ceramics are fishtail
projectiles and what can best be described as Lackawaxen-like points.
Prior research in the Delaware Valley has shown that these Lackawaxen
forms can be associated with early pottery and Early Woodland radiocarbon
dates (see The Status of Woodland Prehistory in the Middle Atlantic
Region, Archaeology of Eastern North America, 1995, by R. M. Stewart).
We hope to run T-L dates on various fire cracked rock and ceramic
samples to better our understanding of the natural and cultural stratigraphy
of the island.
submitted by R. M. Stewart
Temple University
PUBLIC EDUCATION
Winners of 1999 Pennsylvania Archaeological Council Archaeological
Essay Contest The Pennsylvania Archaeological Council recognized the
winners of its annual archaeological essay contest in Harrisburg on
October 2, 1999. More than 500 essays were received from students
in the 4th-9th grades from throughout the Commonwealth. This was the
eighth annual contest.
Students submitted essays on the topic "What are Archaeological Sites
and Why is it Important to Protect Them". According to Dr. Beverly
Chiarulli, President of the Archaeological Council and Director of
Archaeological Services at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, "Through
the years, students have shown a remarkable interest in archaeology
in the Commonwealth. They recognize that sites are fragile and are
threatened by construction and development. The contest gives them
the opportunity to provide us with
ideas for protecting sites. We call archaeological sites "Pennsylvania's
Hidden Memories", because sites represent a part of our heritage that
most people never see. You could stand on a site and never realize
that you were in a place where people may have lived a thousand years
ago." As part of the 1999 Archaeology Month Activities, the Council
has created a website called "Discovering Pennsylvania's Hidden Memories"
which will eventually link each county to an archaeological site in
that county to explore the diverse resources in the Commonwealth.
The site can be reached through the address: http://www.cs.pitt.edu/~bev/memories.htm
The essay contest is held each year in October in conjunction with
the state's celebration of Archaeology Month. This year, there were
events throughout the Commonwealth including the Annual Excavation
on City Island from September 24-October 7 sponsored by the Pennsylvania
Historical and Museum Commission. The winners of the Essay Contest
were recognized in an awards ceremony on City Island on October 2,
1999 at 1:00pm. This year's winners include:
4th-6th Grade Contest:
1st Place: Amber Parise, Pallisades Middle School, Kintnersville,
PA 18930, Mrs. Fischer (teacher)
2nd Place: Rawshanak Rufiei, Highland Elementary School , Abington,
PA 19001 Mrs. Heuer (teacher)
3rd Place: David Vogle, Latrobe Elementary School, Latrobe, PA 15650
Mr. Hixson (Teacher)
Honorable Mention: Allen Miller, Rebersburg Elementary School (Rebersburg,
PA), Kevin Patel, Frankstown Elementary School (Hollidaysburg, PA);
Kassandre Coughlin, Nazareth Area Middle School, (Nazareth, PA); Timothy
Rohrbach, Boyertown Elementary School (Boyertown, PA), Raquel Ramos,
F.D. Roosevelt School (Bristol, PA); Rebecca Kieselbach, Pallisades
Middle School (Kintersville, PA)
7th-9th Grade Contest:
1st Place: Linda Cendes, The Ellis School, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206
Dr. Ellen Bedell (Teacher)
2nd Place: Stephanie Lane, Pottsgrove High School, Pottstown, PA
19464 Mrs. Gerhart (Teacher)
3rd Place: Lauren Firewiez, Carrick High School, Pittsburgh, PA 15210
Mr. Sopkowiak (Teacher)
Honorable Mention: Andrea Noel Cutruzzula (The Ellis School, Pittsburgh,
PA), Kerri Zinn (Meyersdale Area Junior High School, Meyersdale, PA),
Tracy Lichty (Meyersdale Area High School, Meyersdale, PA), Ryan Devlin
(Brockway Area High School, Brockway, PA), Ken Wagner (Columbia High
School, Columbia, PA), Jennifer Brandon (Pottsgrove High School, Pottstown,
PA) Brenda Barrett, Director of the Bureau for Historic Preservation
congratulates Winners of the 7-9th Grade Essay Contest during the
Award Ceremony in October. l-r; 2nd place winner Stephanie Lane, Pottsgrove
High School, Pottstown, Mrs. Margaret Gerhart, Pottsgrove High School,
1st Place Winner Linda Cendes, The Ellis School, Pittsburgh, Brenda
Barrett.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
NO SUBMISSIONS FOR THIS ISSUE
FORUM
[Members are invited to submit comments on issues of current concern.
With luck, varying points of view will be presented.]
NO SUBMISSIONS FOR THIS ISSUE
PAC COMPUTER USER'S
COLUMN
by Mark A. McConaughy
Two years ago I bought at Fujifilm DX-9 Digital
Camera that I briefly wrote about in the Fall, 1998 PAC Computer
Column. I now have a great deal more experience using it and this
column will be devoted to digital cameras as useful tools for
archaeologists.
Digital cameras are items worthy of consideration
as "essential" field equipment. However, they will not, at least
at this time, totally replace 35 mm cameras for documentation
of field work. Figures 1 and 2 are digital shots of artifacts
set up as they would be for 35 mm documentation photographs. It
should be apparent that 35 mm cameras still provide higher quality
and sharper photographs than these digital shots, but they are
quite recognizable artifacts. Also, black-and-white photographs
and negatives (in either 35 mm or 4 x 5 in. formats depending
on the requirements) are still the required archival image documentation
for field work. Nevertheless, a digital camera can provide fast
photo documentation for field work.
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Figure 1: Points from 46Hk34
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Figure 2: Watson Farm Cordmarked Pottery
from 46Hk34
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Figure 3: Montgomery Incised Sherds.
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Digital photos can be immediately downloaded into
a computer and then transferred via email to a main office or oversight
agency as needed or requested. A consultant does not have to wait
until 35 mm pictures are taken in to be developed and processed
to provide project administrators or reviewers with access to what
currently is happening on a project. Essentially, digital photographs
can act as the "Polaroids" or instant pictures of work progress
that are easily transmitted and duplicated (unlike real Polaroids).
An advantage digital photographs have over both Polaroid and 35
mm pictures is the ability to use software to lighten, darken, sharpen,
or otherwise enhance shots that were over and underexposed. A bad
original exposure may still produce a usable digital photograph.
Figure 3 was a digital picture taken of Montgomery Incised sherds
at the West Virginia Pottery conference. The original photo came
out too dark to see the incisions. I lightened and sharpened the
details in this photograph. Digital pictures can also be used to
set up a web site publicizing the project, if that is desired. Digital
photographs are easily copied to 3.5 inch floppies or CD-ROMs which
can be sent to many different people for their use.
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Figure 4: Collection from Indian County,
Pennsylvania.
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A digital camera can also be used to take photographs
of private collections from sites. Figure 4 is a digital shot of
some artifacts that a collector had and Figure 5 is a rock shelter
that he showed us. The resulting pictures can be inserted, using
the "cut" and "paste" functions, into PASS forms set up for your
word processor. PASS forms in HTML and ASCII text (readable by most
word processors) formats can be downloaded from the Somerset chapter,
SPA site at: http://www.shol.com/spa20/pass/PASSmain.htm
Then the PASS form can be transmitted to the BHP or Carnegie Museum
either via email or through the U.S. Mail as a hard copy with the
photo printed on the form.
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Figure 5: Rock Shelter in Indiana County,
Pennsylvania.
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Proving a digital camera is useful is not a problem,
but there are things to consider when deciding to purchase a digital
camera. First, you need to determine which digital camera will best
suit your needs. Second, a good digital camera is not particularly
cheap, but prices are dropping. Finally, the camera's pictures are
only as good as the output device on which they are viewed or printed.
For example, if you have a high resolution digital camera that handles
1280 x 1024 pixels, but only have a color printer that prints at
300 dpi, then you will loose some resolution of that picture when
it prints out. Consequently, purchase of a high resolution digital
camera may also require purchase of a better printer to retain picture
quality. Digital cameras come in all shapes, sizes, and picture
quality. The Fujifilm DX-9 that I purchased two years ago is still
surprisingly available. The DX-9 cost $599 two years ago, came with
a 2 Meg flashcard (and I purchased an 8 Meg flashcard for $100 to
go with it) for storage, and has a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels.
It still has a list price of $599, according to one online site.
I can not believe they are selling many of them without any discounts
because newer models with much better resolution are available at
that same price. Other 640 x 480 pixel models can be obtained today
between $250 and $500, depending on other camera features. Newer
models in the $600 to $1000 price range are usually high resolution
cameras having 1024 x 768 pixels or more resolution. Even some 2.1
"megapixel" (1600 x 1200 pixels) models can be obtained in the upper
end of that price range.
Nevertheless, the DX-9 has served me well as a camera
to record images of the strip mine project localities I visit. I
send the images back to the BHP offices in Harrisburg as soon as
they are downloaded so they can see the actual project areas instead
of some plotted map sent to them by the company. Pictures of the
mound from the McCall mine project that were printed in the Fall,
1998 PAC Newsletter were black-and-white copies of digital photos
taken with the DX-9. They suffer a little from being printed out
on a lower resolution printer. Better examples of digital photos
taken with the camera are available for viewing on my web site at:
http://members.delphi.com/MCCONAUGHY/web/index.html
If you are not planning to make any enlargements of
the pictures, which normally print out at about 7 x 10 inches on
a printer or full screen on a VGA monitor, then a 640 x 480 pixel
model will be sufficient for most needs. However, it you want something
that approaches a 35 mm print in quality, then one of the higher
resolution models is required. Some of these digital cameras produce
very high quality pictures, and I do suffer from "pixel-envy" when
I see examples of their photographs. If I was purchasing a digital
camera today, I probably would not consider one with a resolution
less than 1024 x 768 pixels (and I really want one with at least
1600 x 1200).
There are other options for digital cameras that must
be considered besides resolution. An autofocus optical zoom lens
with macrofocus capability is a must. The macrofocus ability is
required for taking close shots of artifacts, etc. A zoom lens helps
enlarge a feature without getting closer to the object being photographed.
Unfortunately, most optical zoom lenses on digital cameras are only
2x or 3x and they really do not zoom in on distant features (e.g.,
a rock shelter up on a cliff) very well. A few have 10x optical
zooms that are more useful, Others may be able to zoom up to 10x
or more using digital technology. Digital zooms are not really functional
since all they do is make pixels bigger. The resultant enlargement
has a Cubist-like quality to the picture. Only optical zooms are
useful because they actually magnify the image without loss of picture
quality. Finally, the lens should be an autofocus lens that can
adjust to the distance of the object being photographed. A fixed
focus lens, usually found on very cheap models, is less likely to
provide a sharp image of the object.
Another feature to check for is whether or not the
digital camera has both an optical and a LCD viewfinder for taking
photographs. Some cameras come with one or the other of these, but
not both. Avoid purchasing cameras with only one type of viewfinder.
Each type of viewfinder is useful under certain conditions. A camera
with only the LCD viewer may be difficult to use in bright light.
The image on the LCD will be washed out by the light and it will
be difficult to compose the shot. An optical viewfinder permits
the user to actually see the area to be photographed and is similar
to those found on 35 mm cameras with viewfinders. Conversely, in
low lighting conditions, the LCD will be much easier to see and
use than the optical viewfinder. I recommend only purchasing digital
cameras that have both types of viewfinders.
A built-in flash is another useful feature. This comes
in handy when taking closeup photographs of artifacts indoors or
pictures of close objects in low lighting conditions. However, most
built-in flash units will not provide sufficient light to photograph
distant objects or scenery under low light conditions.
How many pictures a camera can take without having
to change the storage medium or without having to download the camera
is also important. The 2 Meg flashcard that came with the DX-9 stores
about 30 images before it has to be downloaded. The 8 Meg flashcard
I actually use provides up to 129 images before it has to be downloaded.
Cameras with higher resolutions require even larger storage capacity
if they are to provide similar numbers of images. Also, whether
or not the camera uses various types of compression methods to store
the image will make a difference in how many pictures a given camera
can store. High resolution digital cameras often provide options
for several different storage algorithms, some using compression
others without it, depending on the needs and the quality of the
picture desired. Uncompressed high resolution images require much
greater storage space than compressed images.
How a digital camera stores images also determines
how many images it can take and store. Flash card and flash bar
memory are used by most digital cameras for storage. These are small
memory cards that slide into the camera. Usually, they can be removed
and replaced with additional flash cards/bars for more pictures
if you have them. Otherwise, the flash card/bar has to be downloaded
and erased before it can be used to store more photographs. Flash
cards and flash bars come in a variety of sizes and you should get
the largest one you can afford for storage that is compatible with
the camera you are purchasing. That will insure the ability to take
the most digital photos possible without having to download and
erase them. Conversely, most Sony Mavica cameras use 3.5 inch floppy
disks for storage of images. Use of 3.5 inch floppies has an advantage
over flash cards/bars in that they can be directly taken out of
the camera, placed in the computer and viewed without having to
download the images from the camera. The main disadvantage of using
3.5 inch floppy disks is their limited storage capacity of 1.44
Megs and the need to carry around a box of blank diskettes for additional
image storage.
The power source for the camera may also be important
in deciding which camera to purchase. Some use rechargeable nickel-cadmium
batteries, others use AA batteries. The advantage of a nickel-cadmium
battery is that it is rechargable and fairly long lasting. However,
if you run out of power when using the camera (note: you will NOT
lose pictures taken prior to this if they are already stored on
the flash card/bar or diskette), you will need an extra charged
nickel-cadmium battery to continue to use it. The extra battery
can be relatively expensive as a separate purchase. Conversely,
if the camera uses AA batteries that die, it is fairly easy to carry
a replacement supply or find a store that carries them so you can
continue to use the camera. The DX-9 uses a rechargeable nickel-cadmium
battery. I have never run out of power using it, including the day
I shot over 150 pictures of the Bushy Run re-enactment (with one
download). However, I rarely used the LCD viewfinder that day, which
uses much more power than the optical viewfinder (which uses no
power).
The camera should come with software and equipment
to download the pictures into your computer. Some now use the Universal
Serial Bus (USB) to connect to computers. Others use a RS232C serial
port for downloading. Check your computer to be certain you have
one or both of these ports before buying the camera. You should
get a digital camera that can connect to your system without having
to get adapters, etc.
Finally, consideration should be given to the shape
of the camera. For some reason, digital cameras have been housed
in some very odd shapes (some of this probably is due to the CCD
used to capture the image). Many look like versions of point-and-shoot
35 mm cameras. I personally prefer those shapes since I am used
to working with 35 mm cameras. Others do not resemble any 35 mm
camera on the market. It takes some adjustment to get used to them
if you have used 35 mm cameras. Ultimately, you should visit a camera
or electronics (since digital cameras are often viewed as an electronic,
not photographic, item) store and check them out to see what you
find comfortable to use.
After considering all the features you want, it is
time to determine which cameras have them and what they cost. You
should be able to get a good high resolution camera with most of
the features listed above for between $500 and $1000. Several web
sites provide up to date information about digital cameras, their
specifications and cost. The following web sites can be checked
for that information:
Digital Photography Review (a super site for reviews
of cameras):
http://photo.askey.net/
CompareNET (compare specs and prices):
http://compare.net/homeframes.p3?cid=1&nGID=186
PC Magazine Digital Camera page (good reviews and
comparisons) http://www.zdnet.com/pcmag/features/digicam99/
Digital Eyes website (reviews and prices):
http://www.image-acquire.com/
ZDNet Reviews of Digital Cameras:
http://www.zdnet.com/products/filter/grid/0,7761,2163603,00.html
Digital Camera Resource Page (worth the visit for
general info and reviews):
http://www.dcresource.com/
Short course in Digital Photography (just as the name
implies and reviews):
http://www.shortcourses.com/
If you really want to get fancy and money is no object,
there are professional models of digital cameras that really produce
near film quality pictures. The Nikon D1 uses interchangeable lenses
(and can use most Nikkor lenses made for their 35 mm cameras), has
a resolution of 2012 x 1324 pixels and the camera body alone costs
$5,580.00! That is the top of the line for digital cameras right
now.
Once you have purchased a high resolution digital
camera, you may have to find a high resolution color printer to
print copies of the pictures. Fortunately, they are available and
are not outrageously priced. I checked on printers at an electronics
shop in Monroeville. Lexmark has two color inkjet printers with
a resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi. One was on sale for $99 with a
rebate that took it down to $55 (but this is definitely not a heavy
duty machine). The other was about $160. Hewlett-Packard also had
a high resolution professional model ink jet that ran about $380.
Printing with a special photographic ink cartridge on paper designed
for images, the HP machine made some excellent prints of high resolution
digital camera photos taken in the store while I was there.
I highly recommend getting a read-write CD-ROM for
storing images if you do not have one. Digital photographs will
eventually take up a lot of space on your computer hard drive, and
you will have to offload them to some type of secondary storage
medium. CD-ROMs are preferred because many images can be put on
a single CD-ROM (~625 Megs of storage space). They can then be easily
accessed from any computer that has a read only CD player and a
copy of the CD-ROM disk. It would take 434 3.5 inch floppy diskettes
to hold a similar amount of images.
Digital camera technology is coming of age. They are
useful tools and, in my opinion, worth the initial expense to document
projects. The up front cost of obtaining the camera is mitigated
somewhat by not having to purchase film or pay for development costs
once you have the camera. The only additional expense will be paying
for diskettes or CD-ROMs to store the images. Mark A. McConaughy
Bureau for Historic Preservation
Mark A. McConaughy
PA Bureau for Historic Preservation
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, District 9-0 and Federal
Highway Administration have produced a children's book on the Monongahela
as part of the Rt. 119 data recovery program in Somerset County. The
book was written by Varna Boyd and Kathleen Furgenson, Greenhorne
and O'Mara, Inc. and can be obtained from Dain Davis, District 9-0
Environmental Manager, 1620 North Juniata Street, Hollidaysburg, PA
16648.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Indiana University
of Pennsylvania are planning a conference with a preliminary title:
"Byways to the Past: Recent Results from Historic and Archaeological
Investigations in State Transportation Projects". The conference is
scheduled for March 8-9 at IUP and will feature 11 speakers presenting
summaries of significant projects through out the Commonwealth. The
results of the conference will be published in CD-Rom format and on
the internet. For more details or if you are interested in being considered
as a presenter, please contact Dr. Beverly Chiarulli, Archaeological
Services, McElhaney G-12, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana,
PA 15705, email: bevc@grove.iup.edu,
(724) 357-2659.
Remember that the 65th Annual Meeting of the Society for American
Archaeology will be held in Philadelphia this spring. The dates are
April 5-9th at the Philadelphia Marriott. For detailed information,
consult the SAA Website: http://www.saa.org.
The Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Plan has been released by
the Historical and Museum Commission and Preservation Pennsylvania.
Unlike the initial questionnaire, the final plan does include archaeological
sites as one of the Commonwealth special places to be preserved. For
a copy, contact the PHMC. Brenda Barrett has been complimenting the
archaeologists in the state for attending all but one of the public
meetings about the plan and providing focused comments. One recommendation
in the Action Plan is to explore the establishment of an Archaeology
Trust Fund to support the Commonwealth Archaeology Program and to
consider a tax incentive program to encourage owners to preserve archaeological
sites on their properties.
Ceramics and Delaware Valley Prehistory: Insights from the Abbott
Farm, by R. M. Stewart,1998. Trenton Complex Archaeology Report
14. Special Publication of the Archaeological Society of New Jersey
and the New Jersey Department of Transportation, Trenton, is now available.
This monograph includes a synthesis of Delaware Valley ceramic typology,
radiocarbon dates, and issues regarding prehistoric ceramics. Valley-wide
trends are also examined in the context of ceramic development throughout
the Middle Atlantic Region. The monograph can be obtained through
the Archaeological Society of New Jersey, or from Michael Stewart,
Department of Anthropology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122.
The only cost is a $5 shipping and handling charge.
MEETING AND EVENTS
CALENDAR
Middle Atlantic Archaeological Conference
Date: 24-26 March 2000
Place: Ocean City, Maryland
Pennsylvania Archaeological Council
Date: 5 May 2000
Place: Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology
Date: 5-7 May 2000
Place: Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Eastern States Archaeological Federation
Date 2-5 November 2000
Place: Solomons, Maryland
** Please send notices of upcoming events to the editor.
PLEASE NOTE
PAC encourages its members to join the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology.
It is important to foster communication between professional and avocational
archaeologists. Moreover, membership in SPA supports Pennsylvania Archaeologist
in which PAC members often publish.
SPA annual dues are $14.00 for individuals and $16.00 for families,
which should be sent to: Archaeological Services, P.O. Box 386, Bethlehem,
CT 06751-0386.
EDITOR'S NOTE
Materials for the PAC Newsletter should be sent to:
Philip A. Perazio, KAR, Inc.,
P.O. Box 1117, Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Phone: 717-620-2591; FAX: 717-620-0186
EMAIL: kittarch@sunlink.net
Please send contributions on disk (Wordperfect 6.1 preferred), accompanied
by a hard copy. You may also attempt to send submissions as email
attachments. However, not all systems are compatible, so this does
not always work. Short items, 1 page or less, may be submitted in
hard copy or by FAX.
Deadline for next issue:
1 May 2000.
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NOTE: Please make sure PAC has your current FAX and/or Email addresses
so that we may distribute urgent information as quickly as possible. Send
updates to Mark McConaughy. |