Learn how and why archaeologists investigate the past as you participate in excavations of a historic age Han Athapaskan settlement located in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. ASRA students will work with archaeologists from the University of Alaska Museum and the National Park Service in collaboration with local residents to explore how life in a small Alaska Native enclave compared to that in the nearby industrial mining operation.

Students will begin the field work portion of the project with a flight in a small plane to a remote airstrip near the Yukon River. There they will reside in a restored historic mining camp in the Coal Creek National Historic District. Hands-on field experiences and lessons will cover basic archaeological skills such as map-making; map-reading and navigation using GPS, digital photography, and technical writing (field note, and use of data recording forms).

A second portion of the module will take place at the Archaeology Laboratory at the University of Alaska Museum in Fairbanks. Students will process, catalog, and analyze artifacts, and transform raw field data into permanent documentation and reports.

By the end of the module students will have participated as part of an investigative team researching an interesting chapter of Alaskan history. They will have learned the value of archaeological sites and associated artifacts and samples as a source of information about human behavior and history. They will have gained knowledge about Alaskan history and Alaska Native culture; career paths in archaeology, museum studies, and cultural resource management; and how archaeologists work with local residents to define the meaning and direction of archaeological projects.

NOTE: National Park Service and the Alaska Museum of the North is offering financial support to make this module possible. There is an additional $50 fee for this remote module, and older students will be given preference.

The National Park Service is offering up to three scholarships for rural residents in communities associated with Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. The scholarships will cover tuition, fees, and transportation.

 

Dr. Jeff Rasic has a dual position as an archaeologist for the National Park Service and the acting Curator of Archaeology for the University of Alaska Museum. He received a PhD in Anthropology from Washington State University.

He says "My research interests include the early human settlement of Alaska, the analysis of stone tools, and prehistoric subsistence and technology. My work has taken me to the Caribbean, mid-Atlantic states, and western U.S. over the last 17 years, and since 1995 I have focused on field work and research projects in Alaska. It has been a great ride so far. What I most enjoy about archaeology, in addition to being outdoors and going to interesting places, is the pursuit of mysteries that are always just a bit out of reach. Whenever I think I've begun to understand a problem, I find there is another layer to explore. I've also had a great time mentoring students who are just starting to learn about archaeology and what a career in this field has to offer."

Jim Whitney is the Archaeology Collections manager at the University of Alaska Museum of the North and a specialist in historic archaeology. He will manage the field and lab portions of the module.

Dr. Robin Mills is an Archaeologist for the Bureau of Land Management Northern Field Office and a historic archaeology specialist. Robin obtained his Doctorate in anthropology from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks in 1998, focusing on the historical archaeology of early-20th century mining in Alaska.  He now works as an archaeologist for the Bureau of Land Management in Fairbanks.  His main interest areas include site formation processes and the historical archaeology of the American era in Alaska.

Both Jim and Robin have participated in numerous excavations of historic cabins and turn of the century mining sites in Alaska and are experts in the material culture of this period.

Dael Devenport works as a Seasonal Archaeologist for the National Park Service in Fairbanks.  She is also a graduate student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks working on her Master’s degree.  She has ten years of experience working as an archaeologist in Alaska.

Chris Houlette is a Curation Specialist at the University of Alaska Museum of the North and an experienced field archaeologist. Chris will serve as a teaching assistant for the course.

Chris Allan is a National Park Service historian who is leading the oral history componentof the project. Chris is  a specialist in Alaskan history and public history.