COVID-19 Self-Isolating Archaeology Reading List

These are definitely unique and trying times for a lot of us. As archaeologists, we know that epidemics are nothing new, but it is sure new to most of us and it isn't something you ever want or can get used to. I am sure many of us are frantically trying to find things to occupy our time or our little ones. So, in light of all this, we are compiling a list of archaeology reading. We will add books suitable for adults and children. That being said, obviously it is not the most appropriate time to book it to the library (great pun, right?), but most libraries now use Libby or Overdrive, which provide ready access to many books. You can also always find them for purchase online if you so choose.

Sidebar: If you are not also familiar with Kanopy, check that out if your library offers it. It is a free streaming TV service that offers various courses, documentaries, movies and more! And yes, last time I checked there were some really interesting archaeology and culture documentaries!

Archaeology is a great way to engage children because it is full of adventure! It is also multidisciplinary, so it is a great way to teach a variety of subjects. Of course, we have a ton of free lesson plans that parents can download from our website and you can also follow us on Facebook to get other resources. Below we have shared some of our favorite children's books about archaeology.

Children's Books:

Archaeologists Dig for Clues by Kate Duke

America's REAL First Thanksgiving by Robin Gioia

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill

The Timucua Indians: A Native American Detective Story by Kelley G. Weitzel

Motel of the Mysteries by David Macaulay

Shipwreck by Claire Aston and Peter Dennis

The Magic School Bus Shows and Tells: A Book About Archaeology by Jack Posner

We are all stuck at home, so this is a great time to dedicate a few moments a day to learning something new! In that spirit we have  provided some select books for adults as well. We would like this blog post to be dynamic and serve as a virtual book club of sorts. So if you do read one of the books on either of these lists, let us know what you think in the comments section! And feel free to comment with books that you recommend even if they are not on this list (there are a ton of books out there on archaeology, this list is just the tip of the ice burg!). We have tried to keep it Florida-centric (with a few goodies that aren't necessarily Florida, but are a great read), but if there is something else that interests you, let us know!

Adult Books:

Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fate of Human Societies by Jared Diamond (It is a long read, but it is really good and yes, somewhat timely considering our current situation)

We Come for Good: Archaeology and Tribal Historic Preservation at the Seminole Tribe of Florida by Paul Backhouse, Brent Weisman, and Mary Rosebrough

Archaeology of Domestic Landscapes of the Enslaved in the Caribbean by James A. Dell and Elizabeth C. Clay

Underground: A Human History of the World Beneath Our Feet by Will Hunt

Archaeology from Space: How the Future Shapes Our Past by Sarah Parcak

Grit Tempered: Early Women Archaeologists in the Southeast United States edited by Nancy White, Lynn Sullivan, and Rochelle Marrinan

Submerged History: Underwater Archaeology in Florida by Roger C. Smith

The Swamp: The Everglades, Florida, and the Politics of Paradise by Michael Grunwald

The Rosewood Massacre: An Archaeology and History of Intersectional Violence by Edward Gonzales-Tennant

Dogs: Archaeology Beyond Domestication by Brandi Bethke and Amanda Burtt

Archaeology of Colonial Pensacola by Judith Bense

Iconography and Wetsite Archaeology of Florida's Watery Realms by Ryan Wheeler and Joanna Ostapkowcz

Water from Stone by Jason O'Donoughue

These books are listed in no particular order, so pick one that strikes your fancy and let us know how it is! We are all in this together, and although we have had to cancel all of our public events, this is our way of remaining in touch and a resource for you and your children. We are still here to offer our services, just in a different format!

Rest in Peace: Protecting Historic Cemeteries from Natural Disasters

In October 2018, Hurricane Michael hit the Gulf Coast of Florida. The impact from this storm was more
devastating and widespread than anyone had anticipated. Not only were coastal communities severely impacted,
but the reach of the storm was felt all the way into Southern Georgia. Countless historical and archaeological
sites were impacted, including many historic cemeteries. Over time patterns of damage have emerged. There is
much that we can learn from these patterns to ensure historic cemeteries are adequately prepared for natural
disasters. Both archaeologists and cemetery managers need to work together to ensure historic cemeteries are
adequately prepared for natural disasters, especially as intensity and frequency of storms continue to increase
due to climate change. 

A tree uprooted during Hurricane Michael and
took with it curbing, headstones, and ledgers.

Hurricane Michael:

•Made landfall near Mexico Beach on October 10, 2018.

•First Category 5 to hit Florida since Andrew in 1992.

•Maximum sustained winds of 160 mph.

•59 deaths in the U.S., 15 deaths in Latin America.

•Caused an estimated $25.1 billion in damages in U.S.

•An estimated $6.23 billion in insurance claims.

•14 ft. storm surge flattened homes in Mexico Beach.

•Caused major structural damage as far inland as Mariana, 54 miles from the coast.

Damage Trends to Cemeteries after Hurricane Michael:

•Large ruts caused by  response vehicles driving on saturated ground.

•Trees uprooted, taking with them ledgers, curbing, headstones, possibly exposing human

remains.

•Large limbs falling and damaging monuments.

•Fallen trees landing on graves and markers.

•Large holes resulting from fallen trees and limbs.

•Fences damaged by powerline poles and trees.

•Wind and water primary concerns

•Storm surge

•Coastal erosion

•Ground saturation

Hurricane Damage to Cemeteries:

EVALUATE YOUR RISK

Response protocol should include pre-established contractors to call upon, volunteers to call on and chain of
command. It is also important to figure out what law enforcement district your cemetery is in and who patrols
your cemetery. Maintain a relationship with them and know how you can expect them to respond to emergency
situations. Make sure any drains you have on property are clear of debris and trash. Prior to a storm event, if
possible, pick up loose debris and ornaments and store in a secure location.

Assess your ability to recover:

•Staff/Volunteers

•Recovery Funds

•Insurance

•Include response protocol in cemetery management plan

Assess your surroundings:

•Trees

•Roads

•Drainage

•Structures

•Markers/Monuments

Historic headstones require the care of a
conservator that specializes in using appropriate
materials for repair. 

Tree Considerations:

One of the most beautiful things about historic cemeteries are the big trees, but they can pose a hazard if not
properly maintained. Pruned trees have a 70% survival rate, while unpruned trees only have a 46% survival rate.
Trees need maintenance, they cannot  simply be left to grow if you want to minimize the chances that they will
cause damage. Use a licensed and insured ISA certified arborist. Live oaks and a few other species will actually
shed their leaves prior to a storm as a way to decrease wind resistance. Planting different aged trees will ensure
you don’t end up with an empty field after a storm or after a long time as they naturally die. Any trees that are
dead or dying, have thick canopies, or have co-dominant trunks should be assessed to determine how to make
them safe.  Winds that are 35 mph or higher can damage any tree.

•Trees together fare better than isolated trees.

•Many arborist companies will evaluate trees for free.

•Remove “widow makers” and dead/diseased trees.

•Plant a variety of types and ages to maintain diversity.

•Loss of leaves doesn’t always mean they are dead.

•Old trees don’t weather storms as well as young trees.

•Properly pruned trees survive better and are less likely to fall.

•Soil compaction increases risk of fall during storm (avoid driving on or near roots).

•Never cut roots shorter than five times the trunk diameter.

•Fast growing trees more likely than slow growing trees to sustain damage.

Falling trees can also damage historic iron works which can
be difficult to repair.

Cemetery Monuments:

Evaluate your monuments before a storm, after a storm and on a regular basis to keep tabs on any

 potential issues. Talk to a conservator about any scaffolding or supports that may be helpful during

 a storm to stabilize leaning or damaged monuments. Documenting before the storm may be useful

 when applying for grants, funds or insurance money after storm. Again, know who you are going to

 call before a storm.  They will be busy after a storm and it may be difficult to find someone to help 

in a timely manner if you are cold calling after a disaster! Have a plan in place for how to deal with 

damaged stones after a storm. 

•Have them assessed by a conservator and repaired as necessary.

•Do a thorough documentation before a storm strikes.

•Setting compound is not adequate, metal or fiberglass pins should be used to prevent monuments

from slipping due to vandals or weather.

•Have a pre-established conservator you can call after a storm or when concerns arise (consider the

same with an arborist).

A few notes regarding FEMA funds:

FEMA funding is very limited and many people have unrealistic expectations due to a lack of 

understanding of what they will cover. Know if your cemetery is eligible before the storm, and know 

that FEMA will deal with basic needs first, so cemeteries may not be addressed immediately. It is not

 recommended that a historic cemetery or any historic resource rely on them as a primary source of

 recovery funding. It is better to create a fundraising campaign to start an escrow account or another

 means of emergency funding that will be readily available after an emergency.

Only public cemeteries are usually eligible for FEMA funds. FEMA limits monument repair to only 

those where it is the legal responsibility of the applicant. So states that have limited liability for

 monument damage have thus precluded obtaining any federal funding from FEMA. The governor of

 the state impacted must request the help and it is county specific. FEMA funds are primarily for 

debris removal, but remember it is reimbursable to qualified cemeteries, so you must have the

 initial funds to pay for the removal.

What archaeologists can do:

•Make contact and develop relationships with cemetery managers.

•Provide education (see FPAN’s Cemetery Resource Protection Training) and educate yourself.

•Encourage cemeteries to have a current management plan that includes disaster planning and

 response.

•Be available for questions and assistance.

•Establish relationships with disaster management agencies and organizations. 

Helpful Resources:

•Chicora Foundation Cemetery Disaster Planning

                  https://www.chicora.org/pdfs/Cemetery%20Disaster%20Planning.pdf

•National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT)

                  https://www.ncptt.nps.gov/

•Natural Hazards Center

https://hazards.colorado.edu/article/preserving-the-dead-cemetery-preservation-and-disaster-planning

•“Be Prepared”, Heritage Collections Council (free book for download)
https://aiccm.org.au/disaster/disaster-planning

•CRPT Alliance Facebook Page

•Your local FPAN Regional Center

My Brief Encounter with the Slave Canal and the Wacissa River

This past weekend, like I mentioned in my previous post, I had the opportunity to paddle the Wacissa River and the Slave Canal. It was something I had heard about and  have wanted to do for awhile now, but something always came up that took priority to a day of kayaking (very unfortunate, I know!). Well, my brief encounter with the beautiful waters of the Wacissa and the historic setting of the Slave Canal has  left me wanting more!

Slave Canal Entrance from the Wacissa River

 Now, you are probably wandering what the Slave Canal is and why it is named such. The Slave Canal was constructed in the 1850s using slave labor. John Gamble, a nearby plantation owner decided it would be a benificial project for local cotton merchants. The purpose of the canal was to connect the Wacissa River to the nearby Aucilla River so that cotton barges could be floated to the Gulf. You see, the Wacissa River diffuses into an almost impenetrable swamp, impossible for cotton barges to pass through to get to the Gulf of Mexico so that the cotton could be loaded on to larger ships for export. Unfortunately for the cotton merchants, the canal scheme did not work very well-it was too shallow. In some places the canal never reached more than a foot deep, and the canal was never able to be used by large boats. Shortly after the Civil War the canal was abandoned.

Signage for Slave Canal

Luckily for us adventurous types, the canal remains open  today as a premier three mile paddling trail connecting the Aucilla and Wacissa Rivers-that is, if you can find it. The entrance to the canal can be a bit tricky to find (there are signs though, so keep an eye out). Once  you do find it though, you are in for a treat. The deadfalls and swift current at high water create a somewhat challenging, but delightful paddling trip. The Slave Canal is part of the Wacissa River Paddling Trail. According to the trail guide it is an intermediate paddle. I only had a chance to kayak a small portion of the canal, but I already have plans in the works to kayak the whole thing. Paddling is a wonderful way to experience, not only nature, but history as well.  There is no documentation of who the slaves were that constructed the canal, but kayaking the canal somehow brings to light the challenges that they must have faced.

In addition to the history of the Slave Canal, don't forget about the people that made their homes on these waterways long before the canal's construction. The wonderful thing about the Wacissa and Slave Canal is that there are no houses or buildings visible from the river starting from Goose Pasture (where I launched ) to the Slave Canal. It is almost as if you are kayaking into a time long, long ago. You can almost imagine people paddling in dugout canoes along this stretch of remote wilderness. And remember, you may encounter archaeological sites along these waterways, you can look, but don't touch. Leave any artifacts you might encounter where they are so that the next visitor can enjoy looking at them (and not picking them up) and so that archaeologists in the future can have the opportunity to study them and learn about the people that lived along these rivers in Florida's past. Hopefully my future plans for kayaking the whole canal will come to fruition soon, and of course, I will tell you all about it!