Archaeological site in Oregon October 29, 2015 Episode.
Dennis Griffin, Oregon State Archaeologist with the Cultural Heritage Division of Oregon Parks & Recreation Department, joined us in the studio today to share with us just what an archaeologist does--and does not--do, and to let us know how archaeology fares in our state. Dennis has been a working archaeologist for more than 35 years in Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. His love of anthropology and history has lead to working with Federal and State governments, tribal governments, forest service and Bureau of Land Management agencies in both staff and consultant roles.
Dennis Griffin, Oregon State Archaeologist with the Cultural Heritage Division of Oregon Parks & Recreation Department, joined us in the studio today to share with us just what an archaeologist does--and does not--do, and to let us know how archaeology fares in our state. Dennis has been a working archaeologist for more than 35 years in Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. His love of anthropology and history has lead to working with Federal and State governments, tribal governments, forest service and Bureau of Land Management agencies in both staff and consultant roles.
Carronades from shipwreck now on exhibit at Astoria Maritime Museum Dennis advised us that the State Historic Preservation Officer monitors and regulates archaeological endeavors throughout Oregon and maintains a database of searched sites and found artifacts. There are 37,000 designated archaeolgical sites in Oregon, with only 150 being listed on the National Register for Historic Places (NR). Most of these sites are located on public lands which already enjoy a protected status so the lengthy nomination process is not necessary. NR listing is often the most effective way to protect such sites found on private lands. SHPO staff help private landowners determine if a site is known on their land, assist in determining if a new site is truly historic, and help them document the historic find so that their plans for using their lands can continue. Designation as an archaeological site DOES NOT preclude development of the land, but allows landowners information on ways to preserve what is/was discovered, with grants available to help fund any research work necessary. All artifacts found on private lands are the property of the private landowner.
The annual Oregon Archaeolgy Celebration runs through December 15, with this Fall's focus being on the state's abundant, versatile, and unique varieties of volcanic glass known as obsidian. Their theme is "Oregon's Got Glass--We Are Obsidian," with events being held throughout the state. For a list of events, check out the Oregon Archaeology Society website.
Dennis and Deb in Studio Dennis also suggested our listeners check out the Archaeological Services section of the Cultural Heritage Division website to learn more about this topic. They post weekly informative bulletins and list upcoming events around the state that may be of interest.
Another tidbit that Dennis shared is that the most prolific archaeologic sites often prove to be wells and latrines! In light of our modern water and sewage systems, it makes one wonder what "gold mines" of treasures future diggers might find. I suspect that the interior of the walls and the backyard landscaping of the many houses my husband and I have remodeled over the years might cause a bit of eyebrow-arching and chin-scratching in the distant future. Any thoughts you'd like to share?
Another tidbit that Dennis shared is that the most prolific archaeologic sites often prove to be wells and latrines! In light of our modern water and sewage systems, it makes one wonder what "gold mines" of treasures future diggers might find. I suspect that the interior of the walls and the backyard landscaping of the many houses my husband and I have remodeled over the years might cause a bit of eyebrow-arching and chin-scratching in the distant future. Any thoughts you'd like to share?
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