by Bernard K. Means

Getting back toward New Deal archaeology after being distracted by 3D archaeology (although some involving artifacts from WPA sites), so expect to post more over the coming weeks, especially as I prepare for a paper on geographic variation in New Deal archaeology to be presented at the Society for American Archaeology meeting in early April.  Shovel Ready: Archaeology and Roosevelt’s New Deal for America did receive it’s first review–and a positive one–in the latest issue of American Archaeology.  This magazine is put out by the Archaeological Conservancy, which is a worthy organization to support–they purchase land to protect archaeological sites.  The reviewer, Mark Michel, notes that 

Shovel Ready is a giant step in assembling this very important part of America’s archaeological history. By the time the New Deal came to an end during World War II, archaeology in America had been transformed. Major parts of the country had been surveyed and mountains of data collected. Volumes of reports were written. Tens of thousands of Americans were exposed to our ancient past for the first time. This very readable and engaging history is an important addition of our understanding of this crucial period.

The next post will focus on New Deal efforts at and by the Southwest Museum of Los Angeles.