2022
To: Don Bragg
Don Bragg has given much support to the Arkansas Archeological Survey, especially the three research stations in southeast Arkansas: those at UAM, SAU, and UAPB. At the UAM station, Don paid several visits to the laboratory to assist with the rehabilitation of artifact collections and supported five individual fieldwork initiatives put forward by the station archeologist. He helped document and identify multiple sites as well as assist in teaching field methods to volunteers and UAM undergraduate students. Don contributed two articles to Field Notes, the bimonthly journal of the Arkansas Archeological Society, and gave a presentation at the 2021 annual meeting showcasing his research at the former Irons Fork Experimental Forest in Polk County. Don Bragg also assisted the UAPB station with field projects, participated in the 2021 ArcheOlympics at the Toltec Mounds Station, and was part of the excavation team for the 2022 annual training program in De Queen. Don Bragg, additionally, stayed on as the president of the Tunican chapter of the AAS until a fresh crop of members can step in to take the reins.
2018
To: Pat Corbin
Pat Corbin has been dedicated and skilled laboratory volunteer in the Arkansas Archeological Survey Coordinating Office lab, and in the lab of the U of A Station archeologist for several years. She worked with Jerry Hilliard for several years, and when he wound down his laboratory activities in 2016 she became a regular volunteer in the main CO lab with me and student helpers where she assisted in several projects to manage and analyze collections. These included Arkansas State Parks collections, the Sargent Collection, the Chowning Collection, the Bartlett Collection, the 1970 Hays Mound Excavation collection, and others. Her regular twice a week visits have contributed at least 350 hours to these projects since early 2016. In addition, she regularly attends the Society and Survey training program, and also works in those labs. With Pat’s help we have moved many collection management, documentation and research projects forward. Many of these projects involved making highly important and irreplaceable collections donated by Society members and Arkansas citizens ready to be studied, displayed, and reported to Society members, professional archeologist and the general public.
2016
To: Paul Knapp
Paul Knapp is one of those folks that when the Society comes together for a dig or a meeting, will always be at the center of activity. At the 2016 Training Program (and 2015 Program), Paul took on many of the duties of setting up the camp and laying down the service grid upon himself with no one making an assignment. When someone needed help around the camp, Paul was always there. In addition to his regular helpfulness, Paul found the Society a much needed trailer for storing our previously disarrayed equipment. He didn’t stop there, he outfitted the trailer with shelving and storage bins in the most excellent example of craftsmanship. The trailer never would have happened without Paul’s help. At the 2016 Training Program, Paul took on the responsibility of excavating some critical units. He performed this work more often than not by himself and was a great aid to many of his fellow excavators as well. When screens needed cleaning or dirt needed to to be moved, Paul was there. His work on the excavations was superior and he deserves recognition not only for his overall help to the Society, but as an excellent amateur archeologist.
2015
To: Scott Akridge
Scott Akridge served as Camp Boss, preferring to be called Camp Host, at the 2015 Society Training Program and has served as Camp Host every year since 2011. Each year he has assisted with the planning and logistics of the dig. He arrives early sometimes making a couple of trips in order to bring all the items he has donated to the dig to ensure campers are comfortable and have all their needs met. His thoughtfulness includes bringing extra supplies to loan campers in case they forgot to bring something. He helps set up camp and break it down, often being the first to arrive and the last to leave. When campers aren’t feeling well, he will check on them to make sure they are alright. His kindness and generosity are well known and so is his story telling. He is instrumental each year to think of things to do to help the participants have fun and to make fond memories of the Training Program. He comes up with the awards that are presented at the last talk at the dig. He often does small things for people that frequently go unnoticed. He goes above and beyond his duties as Camp Host and has been indispensable to the success of the Training Program each year. What would we do without him?
2013
To: Paul Knapp
Paul Knapp has been an energetic and hardworking member of the Society for the last decade, taking on various roles within the organization and at the annual Training Programs. During the past year, Paul has worked tirelessly as part of the Dig Committee making arrangements for the 2013 Society Dig in Montgomery County. He was instrumental in coordinating with the Forest Service’s Oden Work Center, arranging for electricity for the campers, setting up at the campsite, and keeping the camp showers operating and water accessible. He also worked as an area supervisor during the two-week Society Dig in June. Paul Knapp is also being given this award for outstanding service as the assistant site supervisor (“paperwork czar”) for the ARAS-Toltec Mounds Research Station’ Spring Dig on the Plaza. For the full two weeks of the Spring Dig in March 2013, Paul Knapp managed all fieldwork records; assigning artifact bag numbers and keeping track of level forms for UALR students, ARAS staff, and AAS volunteers (six units with over 30 individuals in the course of two weeks). This was the first time Paul was responsible for maintaining all site excavation paperwork and he did an outstanding job as an assistant site supervisor. Paul also worked with, assisted, and helped train UALR students in excavation technique and standards and checked their work. In addition, Paul went above and beyond to help make the Spring Dig a success despite wind, rain, and cold.
2012
To: Steve Jacober
Steve Jacober has been a long time, devoted member to the Society. Every year (at the Training Program), Steve has always made himself available to help with any problem, issue, and assistance from setting up tents to repairing showers and more. Beginning with the dig in 2011, the issue of supplying electricity to RV campers and tent campers alike came up and Steve stepped up to address the technical details and work out the logistics for the 2012 Society Training Program. Steve also traveled a great distance and arrived very early to facilitate the installation of the electrical outlets and such and completed the task on time and very effectively. Not only did this contribution add to the success of the Society Dig 2012, but it added another beneficial element for future archeological activities at Historic Washington State Park and, in general, other activities to benefit the park. This is certainly a job well done.
2011
To: Mary Ann Goodman
Mary Ann Goodman has served as the Lab Supervisor at the Training Program for several years. During that time she has taught numerous new attendees the intricacies of washing, sorting and labeling artifacts. Her other contributions to the Training Program outside of Lab Supervisor have included being the Dig Chair in the 2nd year at Jones Mill and several years as a unit supervisor. Over the years Mary Ann has done much to promote the Society both on a state and chapter level. She served as the Society’s President during 1988-1989. Mary Ann can be found volunteering in the lab at the Survey’s Henderson State University Station at least one or two days a week.
2010
To: Glen Akridge
Glen was nominated in recognition for his two-year effort to organize the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Arkansas Archeological Society and to his many other contributions during the same time span. The 50th Anniversary celebrations included a logo design contest, commemorative items featuring the 50th Anniversary logo, historical exhibits, an expanded annual meeting program, and presentations on Society history. During the same time period Glen served as Editor of The Arkansas Archeologist and was the driving force behind the Society’s Finance committee overseeing the investment of Archeological Research Funds and Bill Jordan Public Education Funds. Glen also represented the Society at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Society for American Archaeology in Austin, Texas where he participated in a symposium spotlighting the cooperation between amateur and professional archaeologists.
2008
To: Meeks Etchieson
Meeks was a driving force in organizing the Ouachita Chapter of the Arkansas Archeological Society and its continuing successful function as a source of public archeology. As Heritage Resource Manager on the Ouachita National Forest, he has sponsored two Society Training Programs and led the preparation and successful conduct of a Society Annual Meeting in Hot Springs. He has also provided abundant field and lab work for the benefit of Society members. Meeks has held every officer position in the chapter, some, multiple times. Is active in presenting archeology programs to various organizations and making himself available to identify artifacts presented by the public. Not only has he provided an abundance of field and lab work as Heritage Resource Manager but he also takes vacation time to conduct other field work outside the Forest Service. This availability of work provides the opportunity for Society members to complete their Certification requirements in an expedited manner.
2007
To: Marilyn Johnson
Marilyn has contributed above and beyond the average Society member. In recent years she has served as a Society Vice President, Archeology Month Coordinator, poster designer, and tremendous volunteer at the annual Training Program. During her tenure as Archeology Month Coordinator she spent countless hours organizing and encouraging participation among professional and amateur archeologists. She also gladly accepted the difficult job of poster design for Archeology Month. In 2006, she designed a seven-foot long poster entitled “Forty-Four Years of Collaboration” that highlighted the cooperation between the Survey and Society for the annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology. Marilyn also routinely serves as a supervisor at the Training Program and spends two weeks or more volunteering. Marilyn’s contributions have helped greatly in educating the public about archeology. She has helped guide the Society in its administration and expanded our visibility among the public and among professional archeologists in other states. Marilyn’s hard work and dedication serves as a role model for all Society members.