Indiana Jones: Myth, Reality And 21st Century Archaeology

Although pipeline projects are often surrounded by controversy, archaeological survey and excavation is playing an increasingly vital role in project development. Federal regulations require that pipeline projects consider not just their environmental impact, but the cultural impact as well. Because archaeologists and pipeline projects have very different goals, the question becomes how can archaeologists work with pipeline developers to ensure the protection of the past without impeding development and progress? Join us and our guests, Chris Bergman, Jim Bloemker, and Bill Chamberlain as we discuss how archaeologists can effectively work with developers and what sorts of challenges arise.

Whether it is faerie circles, nighttime rituals, or pretty much Celtic ANY-thing, the public perception of Irish archaeology has a healthy dose of myth and mystery mixed in. In fact, the allure of Irish archaeology is often its seeming mysteriousness. br So what do archaeologists actually know about Ireland and its Celtic inhabitants? On today's show we will be talking with Dr. Susan Johnston, an Irish archaeologist specialist who has worked at the royal site of Dún Ailinne, southwest of Dublin. The site has yielded evidence of wooden circular structures, as well as ritual feasting and ceremony from the pre-Christian period. Join us as we attempt to de-mistify Irish archaeology, and find out what really happened.

Despite Indiana Jones' order to get out of the library, archaeological training involves a fair amount of school work. At school, archaeologists must both intensively train in a particular focus, but must also gain a good understanding of areas of expertise outside their specialty. Recently, shifts in the archaeological job market have led many to ask whether traditional training methods are still relevant and how we can better train new archaeologists. Join us tonight with our guest Dr. Victor Thompson, as we discuss how the demands of contemporary archaeology and what that means for education.

The largest budgets and advanced research technologies in today’s archaeology are furnished by pipeline construction. While the construction of pipelines has not been without controversy, the growth of the oil and gas industries and the construction of pipelines accounts for a significant portion of archaeological projects in the U.S. In today’s episode we discuss the influence of pipeline archaeology and how federal regulations have changed the relationship between pipelines and archaeological research. Join us and our guests, Chris Bergman, Don Weir, and Carol Weed as we discuss the history of pipeline archaeology, how it has changed CRM archaeology, and what benefits it can offer archaeologists.

In just under 2 weeks, archaeologists from all over the world will be converging on Orlando, FL for the annual Society for American Archaeology Meeting. In anticipation of the meeting, tonight’s episode is focused on the archaeology of Florida and the state’s public outreach program known as the Florida Public Archaeology Network. FPAN works to promote awareness about archaeological resources and protection, while creating partnerships that encourage public participation and education. Join us, and our guests Mike Thomon and Nicole Grinnan, as we discuss the rich archaeological record in Florida, both on land and underwater, as well as how FPAN works to promote and protect these important sites!

Before the Enterprise boldly “went where no person had gone before” or Indiana Jones shouted “THAT BELONGS IN A MUSEUM!” there was the National Geographic Society. For over 100 years it has embodied a sense of adventure in faraway locales with the goal of changing the world through science and exploration. From the heights of Macchu Picchu to Mayan underwater caves, the Society has a strong commitment to archaeological discovery, preservation, and most importantly, education. The rich experience with cultural heritage demonstrated by the Society is particularly important today when the looting and destruction in Syria by ISIS has pushed cultural heritage issues into the mainstream media. Join us, and our guest Dr. Chris Thornton, as we discuss his own experiences working in cultural heritage with the National Geographic Society as well as director at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bat in Oman as we attempt to determine how we can preserve the past in a constantly developing world.

Picture it. Chicago. 1893. Twenty-six million people from all over the world flooded into the city to puzzle over the newest fashions trends including zippers, taste innovative new cuisines like brownies, and some even attempted the daredevil feat of riding the world’s first Ferris wheel. Over 100 years later, these “innovations” may seem like the quaint offerings of a remote past, but their once futuristic status invites us to look around us and ask “what will stand the test of time?” Will President Obama’s library be the site of a major archaeological investigation? Will archaeologists ever unearth a Commissioner’s Trophy on the North Side? Will the Illinois State Museum finally be reopened? Will future generations be able to know the pure satisfaction that is Chicago-style pizza? Join us, and our guest Dr Rebecca Graff, as we discuss the explore the origins of the future in Chicago’s past, and dare to wonder what the archaeology of the future will look like.

Humans are obsessed with the future and the technology that comes with it. Whether it's finding out when the new iPhone will be released, wondering when our hoverboards will REALLY fly, or scanning the skies for our new robot overlords, the idea of unplugging completely from life seems to be a thing of the past. As modern day people interested in the past archaeologists are often caught in the middle of the past/future divide. br Although archaeologists work in a thoroughly modern world, issues of location and budget can often force archaeologists to rely on old-school tools in their surveys and excavations. How then does one DO archaeology in the 21st century, especially with limited budgets and resources? Tonight's guest, Mr. Chris Webster, has devoted much of his professional career to developing technology and applications to help transition archaeology into the future. Join us as we discuss all things digital with Chris, and prepare for the technological revolution!

What do ghost hunters and archaeologists have in common? More than you might imagine! Archaeologists and ghost hunters are both interested in exploring long forgotten places in search of the people that once inhabited them. Data may be important as supporting evidence, but it is the story of these sites and their long gone inhabitants that captures the minds and the hearts of us today. Ghosts and the stories that accompany them bring the past alive for people in a very real, if sometimes terrifying way. Archaeologists have the same goal, but sometimes the desire to bring the past to life can get mired in the data. Today's guest, Dr. April M. Beisaw, has explored how archaeologists can use ghost stories to teach people about the past, and how they connect with it. Join us as we discuss how archaeology can harness the power of ghosts, and in so doing, change history!

The holidays are coming to a close for the year. As a happy new year to all of you, Indy Fans, our final show for 2015 is related to the holy land where so many of our holidays are centered. Dr. Morag Kersel is joining us to tell us about her ‘Follow the Pots’ research program. Based in Israel the project aims to both investigate of the emergence of prehistoric urbanism in the Early Bronze Age of the southern Levant and the contested values of this archaeological heritage. This is an archaeologically themed discussion about what is valued and important in terms of public history and heritage. Just in time for New Years' reflections!

Happy end of the year holiday's Indy Fans! Tonight mere days away from Christmas we have a themed show to further the spirit of the holidays! We are joined by Dr. Tamara Thomsen, a maritime archaeologist based in Wisconsin. The connection may not seem clear between maritime archaeology and Christmas, but there is a phenomenal story we about to be told. Gather round and listen to the true story of the schooner Rouse Simmons, the lumber trade in Wisconsin, Captain Santa, and the (re)discovery of the ship and her captain.

The Salmon Ruins, located near the four corners region in New Mexico, is notable both for the breadth of archaeological materials present and for the collaborative efforts that have been the hallmark of the site since it was first excavated in the 1970s. Associated with 11th century Chaco Canyon and Puebloan culture, Salmon Ruins is also one of only two Chacoan colonies know to exist in the American Southwest. Thus far, over 1.5 million artifacts have been recovered. Unusual for historic preservation efforts in America, the funding, planning and historic preservation efforts of this project result from creative and significant interactions between government agencies and the private sector. Tune in as Dr. Schuldenrein talks with BLM archaeologist Geoffrey Haymes and San Juan County Archaeological Research Center and Library at Salmon Ruins Executive Director Larry Baker about collaboration and community at this amazing site.

This week we are looking at archaeology and activism with the executive director of Sustainable Preservation Initiative (SPI), Dr. Larry Coben. Active since 2010, SPI is a non-profit that offers sustainable business and entrepreneurial opportunities to economically disadvantaged communities as a way to aid the historic preservation of archaeological sites. SPI accomplishes its goal by instituting sustainable economic incentives that offer alternatives to the economic uses of archaeological sites, such as looting and grazing. As archaeology moves away from academia and into the applied field, efforts to build connections and empower local communities in the service of historic preservation are becoming increasingly important to the future of the discipline.

Happy Thanksgiving Indy Fans. Today we have a belly full of information for you about TURKEYS! Yes, we are joined by Dr. Tyr Fothergill who studies turkey domestication. The study of the domestication of various animals is important because it is a means to measure the development of society as well as health.The Indy Team presents a clucky interview with the archaeologist herself to tell us what has been found and conjectured about this full coop of a discovery.

Gather 'round Indy Fans. Today we go historical and fantastical with our guest and subject matter. The topic? Count Byron de Prorok, famous archaeologist in 1925 and disgraced scalawag just 6 months later. The Indy Team has hosted many shows illuminating the day-to-day practicalities of archaeology and dismantling the Indiana Jones fable. This week Wayne Turmel joins us to discuss a real pirate of an archaeologist. We explore this story through Mr. Turmel's new book The Count of the Sahara. Be sure to bring enough water and salt for this week's hot interview.

California State Parks contain a breadth and depth of cultural resources that are truly impressive. The organization's tasks range from protecting and preserving natural and cultural resources and involves engagement with tribal groups. On the heels of our interview with Dr. Bond from October 21st, this show about CA State Parks also highlights the threats of climate change and the responses of this department, other state agencies and their partners, has for dealing with events that are affecting our cultural resources. The region in the spot light tonight is California and the topics will cover drought as well as site maintenance (such as dealing with vandalism). Joining us tonight is Dr. Leslie Hartzell and she will be shining an interesting light on this Golden State.

It's that time of year again Indy fans. Have no fear though, this week's show will not horrify you. If fact, we are going to treat you to some of the anthropological thoughts behind the appeal of horror films. There is not trickery here. The horror film genre is popular. Psychologists cite multiple theories of the appeal of horror: psychodynamic, catharsis, excitation transfer, curiosity/fascination, sensation seeking, dispositional alignment, gender role socialization, and societal concern. Anthropologists and archaeologists can also unmask the importance of horror films with the discussion of history of what scares us, how we develop practices to protect ourselves, and what the horror may represent in reality. We are joined by Dr. Kendall Phillips to explore the crypt of things frightening. Happy Halloween Indy Fans.

The National Park Service (NPS) is just about to celebrate its 100th anniversary (August 25, 2016!). It seems only fitting we take a moment, park it, and take a proverbial hike through its history. The NPS is a land management, preservative, educational, and protective body for the United States parks and historical sites. Joining us today is Dr. Stanley Bond. Together we will get into the details of how the NPS handles public outreach, archaeological site and materials management, and the laws in place the protect our nation's wild places and historic legacy.

Some researchers achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them...and some find it spelunking in the bowels of a cave in South Africa. The news exploded in September and it was out of this world (more accurately beneath it). Currently, more than 1,550 fossil elements have been recovered from the Rising Star cave and many more are expected to be unearthed. Rising Star has yielded the largest sample for any hominin species in a single African site to date. Not only is the find huge, the hominin fossils were unique enough to be classified as a new species: Homo naledi (“naledi” means “star” in the local Sesotho language). Given the growing surfeit of fossils, this find may be the best-known/best represented anatomically fossil member of our lineage. To discuss our new family member with us and Rising Star is a member of the research team and New York University professor Dr. Scott Williams. Turn on your head lamps and belay on down as we learn about Rising Star.

Joining the Indy crew today is writer and anthropologist, Dr. Richard Currier, here to discuss his newest book “Unbound: How Eight Technologies Made Us Human, Transformed Society, and Brought Our World to the Brink” (2015). In his book, Dr. Currier addresses some of the more revolutionary adaptations and technologies that allowed humankind to transcend its animal origins. Dr. Currier’s analysis and conclusions force listeners and readers alike to view our everyday objects and interactions in a new light. Perhaps the confluence of seemingly unrelated and unrecognized daily behaviors and objects is more important to our evolution than we give credit to. Uncoil your bones and unravel your mind as we journey through eight of the most transformative technologies in human history.