Society Activities

Texas Archeology Academy

Texas Archeology Academies 2008

Lithics: Reading Stone Artifacts
Houston, Texas, January 26 and 27, 2008

A Lithics Academy, hosted by the Houston Archeological Society, was presented in Houston at St. Thomas University, Scanlon Hall, on January 26 and 27, 2008.  This Academy provided hands-on experience for recognizing and analyzing stone artifacts.  Participants learned the different ways in which stone tools were made, how to recognize their different use-wear patterns and the interpretation of stone artifacts found in the archeological record.  Flint knapping demonstrations focused on understanding how the archaeological record is formed.  Dr. Harry Shafer led the workshop with the assistance of Dr. John Dockall and flint knapping specialist Dr. Cary Voss.

Participants receiveed a CD Lithics Manual, lunches, catered lunches on Saturday and Sunday, morning coffee, and afternoon snacks.

This academy was held in Scanlon Hall in the Jerabeck Activity and Athletic Center (30) at St. Thomas University in Houston.  Interactive Map

Archeology 101:
Recognizing and documenting Archeological sites
Belton, Texas, February 8, 9, 10, 2008

The Archeology 101 Academy introduced basic archeological procedures, techniques for recovery of data, and methods for preserving valuable archeological resources.  The focus of this academy was “What do Archeologist do and why do they do it?”  Instruction included identifying archeological sites, mapping visible remains, analyzing evidence, reporting finds, and protecting our heritage from destruction.  Dr. Harry Shafer presented the academy with assistance from local experts.

Classes were held at the T. B. Harris Community Center, 401 North Alexander St., Belton.  Classes began on Friday evening February 8, at 7:00 – 9:30 PM.  Classes continued on Saturday February 9, (9AM until 5PM).  On Sunday we caravaned to the Gault site for field survey and limited testing.  We worked until lunchtime and had catered lunch together to discuss and wrap-up our experience.  City of Belton Website.  Map in PDF Format

Read about the history and importance of the Gault site here and its recent conveyance into the Archaeological Conservancy.

Participants received a CD 101 Manual, catered lunches on Saturday and Sunday, coffee and snacks on Saturday.

Rocks and Artists: A Panoramic View of Texas Rock Art
Van Horn, Texas, February 29 - March 2, 2008

A Rock Art Academy in Van Horn, Texas, began Friday evening, February 29, and continued through the weekend on Saturday and Sunday, March 1 – 2.  A combination of classroom discussions and field tours led by the Center for Big Bend Studies, Sul Ross State University, will introduce participants to the amazing variety and extent of rock art in far West Texas.  Working with presenters Melissa Williams (CBBS Archeologist) and Reeda Peel (CBBS Director of Rock Art Documentation and Research), participants explored the rock art of Texas within a global framework, viewed the rock art of Trans Pecos Texas, and considered current theories on the interpretation of rock art.

A Saturday morning field tour explored the petroglyphs of Lobo Valley, a site nominated to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.  Saturday afternoon’s tour visited the rock art and dynamic Precambrian stone formations of nearby Red Rock Ranch.

Attendees received a CD-ROM of Dr. Carolyn Boyd’s 2006 manual, “Rock Art: A Sacred Tool.”  This year’s Academy built upon that manual with supplemental information on the art of Trans Pecos Texas.  A practical session provided participants with an understanding of the techniques used to record rock art.

The Rock Art Academy was held in the Van Horn Convention Center.  City of Van Horn Information Website.  City of Van Horn Map in PDF format.  There's an interesting article in Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine for those wishing additional information about Van Horn.

Academy registration included two guided field tours, classroom discussions, catered lunches on Saturday and Sunday, morning coffee, and afternoon snacks.  The Rock Art Academy was limited to 60 participants.

Registration Information

The registration fee for each academy was $95 for members of the Texas Archeological Society and $135 for non-members which included a $40 membership in the Texas Archeological Society.

Professional Development 

Teachers received credit for class and field trip hours.  TAS is a provider of professional development through SBEC.

Scholarships

Two Collegiate Scholarships will be given for each Academy, each year.  If not already a Texas Archeological Society member, the scholarship recipient will be registered as a TAS student member for the current year, and will receive the Bulletin of the Texas Archeological Society and Texas Archeology newsletter.  Academy registration will be covered; this includes a CD version of the manual, lunches and snacks during Academy sessions, and any materials needed.  The scholarship recipient will also receive an allowance of $100 to assist with transportation and lodging costs.

The deadline to apply for Collegiate Scholarships is one month before each Academy. Dates for spring Academies will be posted on the web site by the preceding November for the spring Academy sessions. More Collegiate Scholarship information.   Apply for a collegiate scholarship online.

Two additional scholarships will be awarded each year by the Diversity Committee. The deadline to apply is one month before each Academy. Dates for spring Academies will be posted on the web site by November preceding the spring Academy sessions.