Expert: Ralph Salier - 11/9/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Ralph
I would like to learn/work more about archaeology. I'm a former college prof with specialty in education-historical and cultural foundations (Native American but also cultural communication/adaptation skills development). I'm based in IL. Could you please advise me about how to begin? Any/all suggestions are welcome. Thank you so much. I look forward to hearing from you. Bj

ANSWER: Hi Bonnie,

The 2009 field school book is in the process of being compiled.  I would join www.shovelbums.org and keep an eye on what is going on in those field schools.  You don't mention where in IL you live but in several areas of IL there are great field school opportunities.  There is a town called Kampsville that acts as a center for field school activities just north of St. Louis in Calhoon County.  There is of course Cahoikia Mounds and the field schools they hold each year there.  You may want to consider taking some courses over  the summer at Carbondale or Northwestern or one of the other IL schools that have field schools and many do.

What do you want to do with it?

Ralph

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Ralph
I'm closest to Chicago. What I would like to do is to be able to work in some area in the field. I'm finishing my ESL certification and have given lectures/presentations about Cross-cultural communication, have presented lately at the Great Lakes Chapter of Engineers Without Borders.
I'm willing to start at the beginning, and hope to use what I know to add to what I can learn, and be able to contribute some skill/knowledge in a different way than I have been doing. Any other advice? Would I qualify for anything at present? Thanks for your time and wise words.
Bj

Answer
Hi Bonnie.

If you are close to Chicago, then you have some great opportunities.  The U of Chicago and Northwestern U in Evenston both have (or had) excellent programs in Archaeology. U of C also has museology and support the museums in Chicago with curatorial staff and interpreters.  But you will need field experience and both universities can provide that.

I do cross cultural consulting for a company out of NYC- Dean Foster Associates. If you are interested in doing that kind of work, I can put you in touch with them.  Dean Foster is the father of the field.