Archeological Society of Virginia

NEW PUBLICATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Since 1969, the Archeological Society of Virginia has maintained a fine tradition with its Special Publication Series. Now, fifty-five years later, we are pleased to announce the 50th addition to the series featuring research compiled Clarence R. Geier and Martha W. McCartney with:

Special Publication Number 50
Willis Hills on Marye's Heights, Fredericksburg, Virginia: "An Extensive and Enchanting View," Tinged with Tragedy
by Clarence Geier and Martha McCartney

258 pp. / color images
Paperbound
$23.99

"In 2000, the Fredericksburg Spotsylvania National Military Park funded a four-year program of archaeology, geology, and historic research on a rise of land known as Willis Hill, which is part of a lengthy escarpment known as Marye’s Heights.

Although Willis Hill is best known for the role it played in the December 14, 1862, Battle of Fredericksburg, its earlier history also is significant.

During the late 18th century, Willis Hill was the home of Henry Willis, one of Fredericksburg’s founders. During the years he and his family occupied their home on Willis Hill, Fredericksburg grew from a sparsely occupied settlement into a thriving market community and inland seaport.

Thanks to this multidisciplinary project, the site of the Willis family’s domestic complex was identified as was the battery of the Washington Artillery of New Orleans. In addition, a more accurate restoration of the “Sunken Road,” an important military feature, was possible.

This book is abundantly illustrated with historical maps and period photographs and contains excerpts from contemporary narratives."

To LEARN MORE and to ORDER YOUR COPY (hot off the press) please follow this link:

https://www.amazon.com/Willis-Maryes-Heights-Fredericksburg-Virginia/dp/B0DL4CFZF8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KTNP5X07W0DQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8Vu5LEL7OQTkwg6MkRNTvkNMRx95X8vHTJwRQk5_5izGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.yCCfDQiLOcqSgW1IbdXEmTyoi2HDgjc_xvK21dapZZY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Geier+McCartney&qid=1730598450&sprefix=geier+mccartney%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-1

All purchases support the Archeological Society of Virginia. Thank you!

PLEASE Like, Comment and Share this Post to help more folks learn about the new publication. Thanks for your interest and support!

Posted:
-D. Rotenizer
4 Nov 24

Join Dr. Parker for a night of archaeological fun! We will be washing artifacts while watching Lara Croft: Tomb Raider in the UMW Archaeology Lab at 5:30pm on October 16th. This event is open to all UMW students and no experience is required. Sign up for this event by scanning the QR code; space is limited!

Join us this Friday, October 11th at 12pm ET for a DAACS Conversation with Nicolas Delsol of Université Laval. Dr. Nelsol, recent author of Cattle in the Postcolumbian Americas, will share his zooarchaeological research on how cattle have shaped the Western hemisphere.

Register to join us here: https://bit.ly/4dvRn8Y

With Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, Archaeology at Monticello, Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies

Get ready to celebrate International Archaeology Day (IAD) on Saturday, October 19! 🎉

events cater to a wide range of interests and provide a chance to uncover the past and experience the thrill of discovery. From archaeology fairs, guided tours of local archaeological sites, hands-on simulated digs, and presentations from visiting archaeologists, there's something for everyone! Keep an eye on our IAD calendar for events near you: archaeologyday.org

We can't wait to showcase all the events happening throughout October. Remember to use the hashtag when you share your IAD experience.

CGS had the honor of presenting a recent project at this year’s Archaeological Society of Virginia conference in Williamsburg highlighting the role of geophysics in archaeology.

October is Archaeology Month! Join us every Friday for a behind-the-scenes tour of ongoing excavations at Germanna's archaeological sites. Meet the archaeologists and see our very latest discoveries. You might even get a chance to pull an artifact or two out of the screens yourself! Details are at the link below.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/archaeology-behind-the-scenes-tours-tickets-999448576597?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

See you on Saturday!!!

1,000-year-old ‘excalibur’ Sword Unearthed In Spain Holds Islamic Origins

October is Archaeology Month in Virginia. Every year, the Commonwealth celebrates archaeology through special events and programs at libraries, museums, historical societies, clubs, and active archaeological sites. This year, DHR has partnered with the Council of Virginia Archaeologists (COVA) to create a poster highlighting COVA's 50th anniversary and the role it has played in the development and history of professional archaeology in Virginia. Check out the growing list of archaeology-related events around Virginia and learn more about how you can participate: https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/state-archaeology/virginia-archaeology-month/

📸: The front of this year's Archaeology Month poster.

Another successful meeting in the books! 👍

Thanks to everyone who joined us on a sunny fall afternoon in Williamsburg and online. Lots of great committee work and excitement about Virginia Archaeology Month, ASV, and the upcoming CoVA 50th celebrations - keep an eye out for more. In the meantime, hope everyone has a good weekend at the ASV conference or wherever you are!

Study reveals new insights into Native American shell-ring villages Shell-ring archaeological sites are distinctive landmarks along the lower South Atlantic Coast of the United States.

Our hearts and thoughts to all touched by Helene.

The Berry Site Field School / The Exploring Joara Foundation...”unearthing the forgotten past”

Equine archaeology for
Horses and chariots played a crucial social, cultural and military role in the emergence and development of early states in China. Examining chariot burials reveals relationships between humans and their horses.

(£) https://buff.ly/3Y0tDFC

📅 October is Virginia Archaeology Month! 🔍

🪥 One extraordinary thing about Ferry Farm is that its archaeology lab is viewable and accessible to the public. The mysteries of history lie out in the open, sitting on tables or in trays ready to be washed and categorized. Like zoo-goers, visitors are mesmerized by the goings-on behind the glass, and likewise, our archaeologists love interacting with the public, are glad to answer questions, or even pose for a picture. 📷

Have you ever wanted to be an archaeologist? Take a unique peek at life in the lab in our latest blog by Marketing Manager Lori Pikkaart, Behind the Glass at Ferry Farm's Archaeology Lab.

https://livesandlegaciesblog.org/2024/10/02/behind-the-glass-at-ferry-farms-archaeology-lab/

Example how an informed public participates in cultural heritage management.

A tourist noticed a 1,700-year-old Roman sarcophagus that was being used as a table at a beach bar in Varna, Bulgaria.

Looking to celebrate Virginia Archaeology Month? Join us for Arctoberfest! This FREE community event provides hands-on activities led by real archaeologists.

📅 October 12
📍 Sully Historic Site
➡️ https://arch.onl/3227wn7y


Fairfax County Park Authority

Introducing our new "Brush Up" workshops! Enhance your skills in public programs, community engagement, heritage documentation & archaeology communication.
✅ Expert instruction
✅ Resources
✅ Quiz & Certificate
Join us & elevate your expertise! https://zurl.co/Ccjw

"Archaeological fieldwork in Morocco has uncovered the earliest known farming society from a previously little-understood period of north-west African prehistory.

This study, published in Antiquity, reveals for the first time the importance of the Maghreb (north-west Africa) in the emergence of complex societies in the wider Mediterranean."

SciTechDaily / Antiquity Journal

Rewriting History: Archaeologists Discover a Lost African Civilization As Big as Troy A groundbreaking discovery at Oued Beht, Morocco, reveals the earliest known farming society in north-west Africa, reshaping our understanding of the region's role in Mediterranean prehistory. The findings highlight the Maghreb's significance in the emergence of complex societies during the Final Ne

Journal of African Diaspora Archaeology and Heritage, Vol. 13, Issue 1 (March 2024)

Our March issue of the Journal of African Diaspora Archaeology and Heritage is available online. https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/yjaf20/13/1.

Valongo, the Place of the Ancestors: Spiritual Practices among Enslaved Africans in
Nineteenth-century Rio de Janeiro
Tania Andrade Lima
Open Access
https://doi.org/10.1080/21619441.2024.2393525

Medicine, Reproduction, and Women’s Health at the Orange Valley Plantation, Jamaica
Jacqueline Woodruff, Richard Veit, and Nicola Kelly
https://doi.org/10.1080/21619441.2024.2347082