|
The Texas Archeological Society (TAS) offers a
wide range of opportunities for those interested in Texas heritage.
The mission of the Society is to promote study, preservation and
awareness of Texas archeology. A recent strategic plan calls for the
Society to create training opportunities for students, enhance and
expand programs, increase and diversify membership, inform the
community of their archeological heritage and cultivate and preserve
resources. The membership generally numbers around 1400.
The Society calendar begins in October with the Annual Meeting, an
event that has taken place since 1929. Archeologists, professional
and avocational, get together to share information in research
sessions and to hear from nationally renowned luncheon and banquet
speakers. Friday is a popular evening for the public forum with high
profile speakers and artifact identification. Meetings will be held
in Lubbock (08) and Del Rio (09).
Each spring TAS offers sessions of the Texas Archeology Academy.
Topics in this series of workshops include Archeology 101 (including
a field day), Ceramics: The Stories Pottery Tells, Lithics: Reading
Stone Tools, Historic Archeology and Rock Art of Texas. Each Academy
features power point presentations, a manual and hands-on activities
to reinforce concepts presented. In 2009 sessions will be held in
Georgetown, Study Butte, and Lake Jackson. Surveys at the close of
sessions reveal that participants greatly value the information
imparted during the workshop and the camaraderie of fellow students.
The summer brings a field school that offers an opportunity for
folks to contribute to research about Texas archeology. The
principal investigator is supported by staff and experienced
volunteers. Usually around 300 people participate. Newcomers
appreciate an orientation session before joining crews in the field.
Survey and lab sessions provide other venues for people who want to
learn more about the archeological process. The field school in 2009
will be in the Panhandle near Perryton. We offer scholarships to
college students and Native Americans. A youth program instructs
around 60 students each year.
Publications of the Society include a journal, the Bulletin of the
TAS, a quarterly newsletter and two web sites.
www.txarch.org is the
organizational web site that relates current programs and
opportunities. The other web site is
www.texasbeyondhistory.net , a venue that offers information in
the form of multi-level exhibits. TAS has been a supporting partner
of Texas Beyond History since its inception.
For more information about TAS see
www.txarch.org or call 800 377-7240. |
