Archaeology Day??

[Jayni Reinhard]

This is an open query to our members to see what your response is to an idea we have been tossing around. There is a possibility that we will host some sort of Phoenix-metro-wide Archaeology Day during the 2009/2010 year.
My questions to you all include:
1) is there interest among our members to attend?
2) is there interest among our members to volunteer to help with this event?
3) do any of you have ideas about what you would like to see at such an event?
4) do any of you wish to participate as a leader of some activity or presentation?

We do not, as of yet, have a time table, but ideally this would be a weekend event, probably on the ASU campus (but perhaps at West campus), lasting roughly from 9-3.
We may charge a small entrance fee to help support the local chapter, but it would not be prohibitive for most people.

What are your thoughts?

[Patricia Nowak]

I think this is a great idea myself. I would be willing to volunteer and/or attend. Would the event be mainly about southwest Indians or about any Archaeology subjects? I am in Toastmasters and it would be a great opportunity for me to do a presentation or activity. Am I too gungho?

[Jayni Reinhard]

I would imagine it would be international in scope, but obviously given our locale, a focus on the southwest might make sense. Of course you're not too gungho - is that even possible? Do you have a specific topic in mind? I just heard about Toastmasters myself, sounds like an interesting group.

[Patricia Nowak]

I joined Toastmaster 2 years ago and I am enjoying it. Meeting new people, not throwing up talking in front of a large group of peple, etc. I don't have a specific topic but I love to learn about the Vikings or Norsemen, early American Indians and Medieval times.

[Kathryn Michel]

Naturally I am interested in participating. I especially like the idea of concentrating on archaeology of the southwest especially the local area around Phoenix. We should solicit participation from Pueblo Grande and Deer Valley sites in connection with this fair. Perhaps one of those two sites would be willing to host the event. Or even having it at Casa Grande monument. Painted Rock is probably too far out of town but perhaps tours of that site could be included.
I will do whatever is needed and can work wherever I am needed. I can do presentations on Painted Rock and of course Egyptology as I am constantly working on reports on lesser known pyramid and pyramid ruin sites. But I sincerely hope the focus is southwest archaeology. However the Painted Rock presentation is best done on site rather than through pictures.

Any food booths should specialize in native American foods especially of our area which would be basically corn and beans. ( Fry bread is not archaeological in nature as native people did no cooking using fat or frying anything. ) I have been at similar fairs at Pueblo Grande or other sites in the state and demonstrations of flintknapping and pottery making were included. I have also been to two traditionally done agave roasts at Pueblo Grande. There are loads of possibilities.

Kathryn Michel

[Jayni Reinhard]

All fantastic ideas, Kathryn! I am becoming convinced that Southwest should be our focus, and we will look into collaborating with PG and DV. A Painted Rock presentation would be wonderful from you, and Patricia, if you want to start looking into Native American archaeology to find something suitable to present on, that would be wonderful. I hadn't even thought of food, but what a terrific idea. This is a great start, and I have boosted confidence that we will make it all happen!
Would love to hear more from the rest of you out there as well.
Best,
Jayni