I have GOOD NEWS and I have BAD NEWS about the Illinois State Museum (ISM)
project near Labadie, Missouri.

First, the BAD NEWS: There was an unfortunate misunderstanding concerning the
scope of this project and volunteers will NOT be able to participate. I
apologize for any confusion, but also want to repeat the Mound City
Archaeological Society's support of this and any other archaeological project
that adds to our knowledge of our region's rich cultural heritage, whether it
involves excavations or not.

Now, the GOOD NEWS: If you want to earn some extra money, the ISM is looking to
hire some field technicians for this project. More details are available at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SLARK/message/629 .

But wait, there's more GOOD NEWS: I had a very pleasant conversation Friday with
Dr. Michael Sheehan, Director of the ISM's Cultural Resources Management
program, and they sometimes do have projects, some in the field and some in the
lab, that can include volunteers. I'm optimistic that Dr. Sheehan will keep our
organization in mind when the next appropriate opportunity comes along. I've
also invited both Drs. Sheehan and Ahler to speak at one of our monthly meetings
about this or other area projects.

Finally, don't forget our next two upcoming evening events, both which are this
week: Tuesday, December 7, is our next monthly meeting at the Missouri History
Museum, featuring Dr. Michael Fuller on "The Archaeology of Evil" and Thursday,
December 9, is our Annual Holiday Party, which will be held this year at the Old
St. Ferdinand Schoolhouse in Florissant. Both events are free and everyone is
welcome.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments about any of this.

Happy Holidays and I hope to see you later this week!

Greg

Greg Paulus
President, Mound City Archaeological Society
bgpaulus@...
(314) 704-3507

--- "B.G. Paulus" <bgpaulus@...> wrote:

>
>
> Dr. Steven Ahler of the Illinois State Museum is looking for
> volunteers to help excavate a Late Woodland/Early Mississippian site
> near Labadie, Missouri (Labadie is about 40 miles southwest of
> downtown Saint Louis).
>
> He'd prefer folks with archaeological field experience, but is also
> willing to work with those that don't. The work will consist of
> excavating features and screening dirt (artifact processing is mostly
> done in labs back in Springfield, Illinois). Weather permitting, this
> project should continue through the middle of January.
>
> Although this is not an "official" Mound City Archaeological Society
> project, we are happy to support Dr. Ahler's work and are grateful to
> him for this opportunity to participate in this project. We also look
> forward to the possibility of being invited to team up with him on
> future projects.
>
> For more information, please contact Dr. Ahler at
> srahler1952@... . On weeknights only, you may also try calling
> him at (636) 587-2048. You're also welcome to contact me at the
> e-mail address or phone number below.
>
> Thanks and have a nice day,
>
> Greg
>
> Greg Paulus
> President, Mound City Archaeological Society
> bgpaulus@...
> (314) 704-3507