M U S E U M
CHRONICLE
Douglas E. Jones
Paleontology Papers in Honor of Douglas E. Jones • Museum Members • Moundville Festival • Fusing Red Earth Pottery Gathering • New Staff Members • A Desert Rose in Tuscaloosa • Inaugural SELTI Writing Contest • Saving Tax Dollars • And more... NEWS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA MUSEUMS • NUMBER 39 • WINTER 2012 Alabama Museum of Natural History • Discovering Alabama • Moundville Archaeological Park Office of Archaeological Research • Gorgas House • UA Museum Collections
Paleontology Papers i J A N U A R Y 25 Growing Up Wild for Pre-Schoolers–AMNH
F E B R U A R Y 6 13 16 18
Museum Mondays for 3-5th Graders–AMNH Museum Mondays for 3-5th Graders–AMNH Art in Nature for Middle-Schoolers – AMNH Hands-On Family Night at the Museum with the Graduate School Association–AMNH 20 Museum Mondays for 3-5th Graders–AMNH 27 Museum Mondays for 3-5th Graders–AMNH 29 Growing Up Wild for Pre-Schoolers–AMNH
M A R C H 9 10 28 28-31 31
Knap-In–MAP Knap-In–MAP Growing Up Wild for Pre-schoolers–AMNH Fusing Red Earth (pottery gathering)–MAP Fifth Saturday Series: Canoeing on the Black Warrior from Manderson Landing–AMNH
A P R I L 7 JCC Sanders Lecture Series–AMNH 19 Art in Nature for Middle-Schoolers–AMNH 25 Growing Up Wild for Pre-Schoolers–AMNH
J U N E 4-8 11-16 18-23 25-30
Indian Summer Day Camp–MAP Expedition for Middle-Schoolers–AMNH Expedition for High Schoolers–AMNH Public Archaeology Expedition–AMNH
AMNH: Alabama Museum of Natural History MAP: Moundville Archaeological Park
M U S E U M
CHRONICLE Published periodically during the year by The University of Alabama Museums Robert Clouse, Ph. D. Executive Director The University of Alabama Museums
BOARD OF REGENTS Ben Barnett, Board President Tuscaloosa, AL
Steve Johnson Tuscaloosa, AL
Tom Semmes San Antonio, TX
Larry Taylor, Board Vice President Moundville, AL
Thomas Joiner Tuscaloosa, AL
Leah Ann Sexton Tuscaloosa, AL
Prescott Atkinson, Ph. D., M. D. Birmingham, AL
Eleanor May Tuscaloosa, AL
Craig Sheldon, Ph. D. Wetumpka, AL
Catherine Sloss Crenshaw Birmingham, AL
Douglas McCraw Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Kristie Taylor Tuscaloosa, AL
Darla Graves Birmingham, AL
Tom McMillan Brewton, AL
Nick Tew, Ph. D. Tuscaloosa, AL
Tommy Hester Tuscaloosa, AL
Howell Poole Moundville, AL
Terry Waters Tuscaloosa, AL
Mike Jenkins Montgomery, AL
Beverly Phifer Tuscaloosa, AL
Tom Watson Tuscaloosa, AL
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We are proud to announce the publication of the latest Bulletin of the Alabama Museum of Natural History, “Paleontology Papers in Honor of Douglas E. Jones.” This Bulletin of the Alabama Museum of Natural History came about due to an unexpected chain of events. The first link was the untimely loss of a singularly outstanding individual with life-long service to the University of Alabama, a dedicated paleontological researcher and former director of the University of Alabama Museums, Dr. Douglas Epps Jones. The second event in the chain was a generous donation to the University Museums from the Dr. and Mrs. James D. Yarbrough family who wished to commemorate the life and dedication of their good friend, Doug. The third link was the recent hiring of Dr. James Parham as Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology at the University of Alabama Museums, who along with his colleague Jun Ebersol, made this issue of the Bulletin a reality. Dr. Douglas Epps Jones was a tireless researcher who spent his last days identifying a myriad of uncatalogued invertebrate paleontological specimens in the collections of the University of Alabama Museums. A friend, colleague and mentor, Dr. Jones spent his career at the University of Alabama as a teacher, dean, and administrator with a lifelong dedication to the promotion of scientific research and its dissemination for its educational significance and the betterment of the state and citizens of Alabama. His interests spanned the breadth of the University’s collections
s in Honor of Dr. Douglas E. Jones Thhe T The he UA UA Mu Musseu seeums eums eu ms fam ffa amiily am illy ly ccoonns nsi sissts sis si stts ts of of th the fol oollllllow oowi wiing: w ing nng: gg::
We at the Alabama Museum of Natural History are most grateful to James Parham and Jun Ebersole for their efforts to bring these works together into this issue. We are also thankful for the donated scientific artwork that adorns the cover of this issue provided by professional illustrator James Cormier. And lastly, we are grateful for the generosity of Doug’s friends, Donjette and Jim Yarbrough, who helped to underwrite this special issue as a tribute to him. A Capitol treasure at the Gorgas House Museum from geology to biology to archaeology. This volume honors the legacy of Douglas E. Jones by bringing attention to important fossils in the University of Alabama, as well as other, collections in the region. Connecting these links, Jim Parham and his colleague Jun Ebersole, of the McWane Science Museum, worked with paleontologists currently researching the Alabama fossil record to pull their investigations into publishable form for this volume of the Bulletin in honor of Dr. Douglas Jones. Bringing together current research on the paleontological record is a fitting tribute to a man who spent his professional career dedicated to the research of the paleontological record of Alabama and the Deep South. This volume includes three original scientific papers about extinct vertebrates from the state of Alabama. A wide range of time and diversity is covered, ranging from 300+ million year old sharks, a review of dinosaurs from the southeastern United States (some 65-80 million years old), and a comprehensive review of Ice Age mammals from the last 100,000 years including over 20 records of species that have never been reported from Alabama before. This issue of the Bulletin contains articles summarizing new research by Sandy M. and Jun A. Ebersole on fossil mammals; Chuck Ciampaglio, David J. Cicimurri, Leigh H. Deuter and Michael A. Taylor on fossil sharks; and a final article by Sandy M. Ebersole and James L. King on nonavian dinosaurs. Capping off this issue is the handsome, original artwork by James Cormier depicting known dinosaurs from Alabama.
MOU N DVI LLE AR ARC ARCH A RC RCH RCH CHA AEO AE AEOL EOL E EO OLOGI OL OG OGIC O G GIC GIIC ICAL CA AL L PA AR ARK RK R K
In
1825-1826 the Alabama state legislature decided to move the state capitol from Cahaba to the growing city of Tuscaloosa, where it remained until 1846. Alabama’s state architect, English-born William Nichols, designed and built the structure between 1827 and 1831. During this time period, the Nichols-designed University of Alabama campus was also under construction, with the first building, now known as the Gorgas House, completed in 1829. As Alabama’s population began to grow, the capitol was again moved, closer to the geographic center of the state, Montgomery. At this time, some of the capitol furnishings, including senate desks, were given to the University of Alabama. One of these desks is currently on display at the Gorgas House. M
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ca capt ptio ionn caption
Lyndon Alec, iivall favorite, Long time ffest picture in between hoop ick poses for a qu ances. m or rf Cherokee sculptor John Grant taught children the art of stone carving at this year’s festival. pe g dancin
NATIVE AMERICAN FESTIVAL BRINGS THOUSANDS OF SMILES T
he 23rd Moundville Native American Festival, hosted October 5 through 8, was a smashing success. The festival was blessed with pleasant weather and great publicity. Several television stations came out to cover the event and the Tuscaloosa News featured the festival on its front page. Close to 11,000 visitorss came cam amee out, am ou ut, o over vveer 8,500 of whom were students. Over 2,000 of the he general gen ener eral all public publi ub bli lic lic visited on Saturday, a large crowd considering the University hee U nive vers r itt y rs of Alabama held it’s homecoming on that same d day. ay. New performers Brad Clonch and Jeff Carp Carpenter rpen een nte ter off ter Injunuity got rave reviews from the audience and plans nd pl plan lan ns ar aare ree already in the works to have them come backk ne next x yyear. xt eaar. r Their singular sound blending the flute and guitar ggu uit itar ar made mad ade de them popular with visitors of all ages. Brad and JJeff efff ar ef aaree al aalso lso so accomplished videographers who work for Chickasaw asa saw Nation Nation ion n Television in Oklahoma. They shot footage wh while hiille att tthe he he festival and there are hopes for Moundville Archaeological c aaeeeol ch ologgiccall Park and the Chickasaw Nation to partner on joint oin nt p pr projects roj ojec ecttss ects ec in the future. Renowned Cherokee stone carver and sculptor, ulp pto tor, r, John Joh hn Grant, demonstrated carving to children. A fi firrst rst st time tim me for fo or him both at the park and at the festival, he wass amazed ama mazzeed by by tthe hee h ellll aass b byy tthe hee beauty and pristine state of the Moundville site aass we well John hn rem hn mar arke keed,, number of children who attended the festival. Jo remarked,
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“As I crossed the train tracks and was able to see the mounds, it took my breath away.” John has donated a work in progress, a soapstone corn maiden. As he demonstrated, he helped each child who visited his arbor to strike the sculpture as he held the chisel Hee estimated that it would take several festivals to chisell in ch in place. pllac p ace. e.. H co om mp ple l te tthe he p he i complete piece. Moun Mo undv und un dv i Moundville Archaeological Park simply could not implement iim mpl p em meen nt tthe festival without the help of our sister orrga o gani nizzaati ni tion onss including the Alabama Museum of Natural on organizations, Hist Hi ssttor oryy, y, tthe h UA Museums Collections Department, he History, Discovering television series, the Gorgas House Diisccov D over errin i g Alabama A an nd the t e Offi th Off fice of Archaeological Research. We also had and many manyy hard ma harrd working volunteers. Over 125 volunteers logged more log lo ogggged d m ore than 1,300 hours during the four day event. or In n addition add ddit i io ion on to t individuals, organizations volunteering their time tiime me and/or and d /o /or services include Aldridge Botanical Gardens, H le Ha le County Cou o nt nt y EMS, Hale County RSVP, the Moundville Hale Poliice Dep Po ep par at Police Department, the Moundville Times, the University A la laba bama ba ma Anthropology A of Alabama Department and Anthropology Club Cl u , UA A Faculty Faccu Club, Resource Center, UA Service Learning Prroj ojeeccts aand nd tthe nd he U he Projects USDA Forest Service – Talladega Division. We th han ank you yyo ou one on o ne an n all for your devoted effort and hope to see thank and you next yo neext year. n yeaar. r. you
FUSING RED EARTH POTTERY GATHERING Moundville Archaeological Park is pleased to announce receiving a $20,000 matching grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Grant monies were awarded to fund the Fusing Red Earth: Moundville Pottery Gathering and Expo project, to be held this coming March 28 through 31. Fusing Red Earth is a gathering of potters, scholars, museum professionals and anyone else interested in Southeastern Indian pottery. This four day program consists of symposiums, lectures, workshops and museum and collections tours. Saturday, March 31 is a public exhibition day where potters display their works and demonstrate the art of pottery making. Outdoor firings, hands-on activities and artifact identification are other features of the public day. While there are many different activities associated with the program, the pottery gathering does have two specific points of focus. The first aspect is the revitalization of pottery making among Southeastern Indian people. Lectures, demonstrations and workshops are being offered to Alabama Indian Education teachers and representatives of various tribal nations. The second focal point is Southeastern Indian iconography, the study of traditional symbols used on Southeastern Native American artwork. Since prehistoric times, pottery has been one of the major art forms to incorporate images which represent aspects of Southeastern Indian world beliefs. Participants will discuss the meanings of these symbols during lectures and panel discussions. Registration is required and fees are charged if you are interested in attending the entire gathering. Regular admission is charged to visitors attending the gathering’s Saturday expo. For more information, contact the Office of Education at Moundville Archaeological Park at 205-371-8732 or visit our website at moundville.ua.edu.
Work by renowned contemporary Cherokee potter, Jane Osti, will be featured at this year’s pottery gathering.
Fusing Red Earth: Pottery Gathering and Expo is partially funded through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Outdoor pottery firings will be featured during the gathering’s expo on March 31.
Catie Cooper joins Moundville’s Office of Education I am pleased and excited to be joining the University of Alabama Museums staff where I serve as an Office Associate at Moundville Archaeological Park’s Office of Education. In addition to regular office duties, I assist with implementing educational events and programs. I am also in charge of coordinating the park’s volunteer efforts. I started working at the park the Monday before this year’s Moundville Native American Festival so I’ve learned a lot in a very short time. A Troy, Alabama native, I graduated from the University of Alabama this past May with a Bachelor of Arts degree. While at UA, I majored in studio art where I concentrated in ceramics and minored in business administration. I have exhibited work at 2010’s A Dickens Christmas in downtown Northport and the 2011 Druid City Arts Fest. I hope to exhibit at DCAF again in the spring of 2012. I look forward to helping develop new programs for Moundville and getting to know everyone at UA Museums.
Catie Cooper looks forward to learning about the Moundville site and people in her new position within the park’s education office.
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Thank You to our Museum Members M
useums can only be as great as their patrons and The University of Alabama Museum system owes much of its success to our member support and involvement. Recognizing the vital role that Alabama’s rivers play in the beauty and uniqueness of our state, levels of our museum memberships are designated with river names. Exceptions are recognition of the namesake of the Museum’s original home, Smith Hall, and the newly created Douglas E. Jones membership level beginning in 2012. EUGENE ALLEN SMITH SOCIETY
Commander and Mrs. Lee A. Hallman Dr. Arthur Howington Mrs. Doug Jones Mr. James Jones Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lowe Mr. and Mrs. Shelby Mackey Mrs. Eleanor May Mr. E. Patrick McIntyre Mr. Randy Mecredy Mr. and Mrs. Gary Mullen Dr. and Mrs. Mark Nelson Dr. Jane and Mr. James Rasco Dr. Edward Uehling Mr. Tom Watson
$5,000 and up
Dr. Herbert Boschung Dr. Helen Robinson Mr. and Mrs. Ted Salters
SIPSEY RIVER $1,000-2,499
Dr. and Mrs. Harry Blewitt Dr. Robert Clouse Mr. Steve Johnson Mr. Tom Joiner Mr. Tom McMillan Dr. Beverly Phifer Dr. and Mrs. James Walburn
BLACK WARRIOR RIVER $100-249
COOSA RIVER
Dr. Joan T. Mallonee and Dr. William Doty Mr. Lance Apprriioll Dr. Prescott Atkinson Mr. and Mrs. Estan Bloom Dr. and Mrs. Richard Bradt Mr. and Mrs. James Braswell Dr. and Mrs. Edwin Bridges Mr. Jimmy Byram Mr. and Mrs. Jassen Callender Mr. and Mrs. Michael Camp Dr. Nancy Campbell and Mr. Charles Day Dr. and Mrs. G. Carlson Mrs. Jennifer Charles Mrs. Laura Clouse Mr. and Mrs. Richard Clouse Mr. Patrick Conner Dr. Joyce Donley Mr. and Mrs. John Duckworth Mr. and Mrs. Jackie Freeman Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Friedman Mr. and Mrs. George Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Van Gravlee Dr. and Mrs. John Hall Mr. Robert Harris Mrs. Harold Herring Ms. Susan Hodges
$500-999
Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Hester Mr. Doug McCraw Mr. and Mrs. William Seagrove Mr. and Mrs. John Steiner Mr. Frank Wilson
CAHABA RIVER $250-499
Dr. Reg Albritton and Dr. Jen Nickelson Mr. Ben Barnett Dr. and Mrs. Phillip Bobo Dr. Ronald Buta Dr. John Cottier Mr. and Mrs. David Courington Drs. Craig and Elisabeth Sheldon Mr. Perry Daley Mr. Charleigh Davis Dr. Richard Diehl and Dr. Sue Scott Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Espy Dr. Amanda Espy-Brown and Mr. Warren M. Brown
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As a member you are a critical part of the Museum family. Your contribution allows the Museum to enhance its collections, offer better programs, and serve the public in many ways. With your help, we can provide programs that explore Alabama’s rivers and caves, fund the Summer Expedition, the Moundville Native American Festival, and support the three time Emmy winning Discovering Alabama series.
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Dr. and Mrs. Richard Holland Dr. and Mrs. Gary Hooks Dr. Max Joiner Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Jones Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Kipp The Honorable and Mrs. Gay Lake Mr. and Mrs. Will Liddell Ms. Dorothy Malaier Dr. and Mrs. John Markushewski Dr. Joan Kirchman Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. Guy Moman Mrs. Eileen Moore Dr. and Mrs. Paul Nelson Drs. Isabel and Jerry Oldshue Mr. and Mrs. John Oliver Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Porter Dr. Michael Quinn Mrs. Linda Reynolds Mr. and Mrs. Yetta Samford Mr. Stephen Thomaand Amy E. Sandberg Mr. and Mrs. H. Phillip Sasnett Mr. and Mrs. Ron Sawyer Mr. and Mrs. John Scott Mr. Charles Scribner Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Seagrove Mrs. Susie Simpson Ms. Laura Smelley Mr. Matthew Sprader and Ms. Gracie Sprader Mr. and Mrs. Paul Sprader Mr. and Mrs. A. Swetman Mr. and Mrs. John Thiele Dr. James Thomas Dr. and Mrs. Joab Thomas Mrs. Marguerite Todorov Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports Commission Inc. Mr. Edward Turner Mr. Terry Waters Ms. Clemenceau Williams Dr. and Mrs. James Williams
ALABAMA RIVER $40-99
Mr. Frank Adams Mr. Arthur Allen Ms. Kimberly Anderson Mrs. Amy Armstrong Mr. and Mrs. Brad Atkins Mr. and Mrs. Ed Avery Mrs. Heather Baker Mr. Don Bates Mr. Bennett Bearden Drs. Philip and Ellen Beidler Mr. and Mrs. John Bell Ms. Mary Belmont Ms. Debbie Bennett & Robin McDonald Mr. and Mrs. James Brazil Ms. Lela Brewer Dr. Richard Brown Mr. and Mrs. Harold Buchmann Ms. Deborah Burgess Mr. Michael Burkhalter Ms. Nancy Callahan Ms. Wendy Carden Ms. Laurie Carlisle Mr. Brent Catchings Mr. Donald Clark Mr. and Mrs. B. Coleman Mrs. JoAnn Cook Ms. Margaret Cooper Ms. Megan Courington Ms. Lowell Craft Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Cranidiotis Mr. and Mrs. D. Crowley Mr. Thomas Culpepper Ms. Dorothy Daly Mr. Steve Daniel Mr. and Mrs. Brooks Darby Mrs. John Davis Mr. Lewis Dean Mr. Walter Dean Dr. and Mrs. Temd Deason Dr. and Mrs. Martyn Dixon Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dolbear
Ms. Moira Dowling Dr. Charles Edwards Mrs. Jared Ellis Ms. Joanne Ethridge Mr. and Mrs. Richard Evans Mr. and Mrs. David Ford Ms. Molly Gamble Dr. William Gardner Dr. and Mrs. R. Glasgow Mr. Charles Gleaton Mr. and Mrs. Alan Goode Mr. John Goodloe Mrs. Lydia Goodman Mr. T. Gray Mrs. Elizabeth Hagler Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hatfield Mr. John Hilbish Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Ingram Mrs. Fay Ireland Ms. Ernestine Jackson Mr. and Mrs. James Joiner Mr. Thomas Kallsen Ms. Joan King Mr. David Kudrav Mr. Jeff Lane Ms. Eun Ju Lee Mr. James Lee Mrs. Rita Lueth Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Madison Mr. and Mrs. Myles Marques Mr. Robert Martin Ms. Elizabeth May Mr. David Mays Mrs. Shirley Mecredy Mr. Wendell Mew Ms. Jane Miller Ms. Barbara Motherwell Dr. David Nelson Ms. Donna O’brien Mr. John Oldshue Mr. and Mrs. Charles Otts Mrs. Judith Owings Dr. Rufus Partlow Mr. and Mrs. Joe Pearson
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Ms. Debbie Pendleton and Mr. Jim Gatling Mr. and Mrs. Roger Pittman Mr. and Mrs. Victor Poole Mr. Thomas Potter Dr. and Mrs. Paul Pruitt Ms. Olivia Quijano Mr. Jason Ralls Mr. Rodican Reed Ms. Sally Ricketts Dr. Andrew Rindsberg Mr. Thomas Ritchie Ms. Augusta Robinson Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Rogers Ms. Jennifer Roth-Burnette Mr. David Russell Ms. Sonja Jean Sanders Mr. and Mrs. Rainer Schad Mrs. Diana Secor Ms. Ju Young Seo Mr. David Shaw Mr. and Mrs. John Sheffield Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sholund Mr. Garland Smith Ms. Sydney Sparkes Dr. and Mrs. James Stallworth Mr. and Mrs. Jarel Starling Mr. Richard Stober Mr. Franklin Sullivan Mr. Ralph Swain Mr. Liam Phillip Swinney Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Thompson Mr. Tim Townsend Dr. Michael Ursic Mr. and Mrs. Bill Vaughn Mr. and Mrs. Robert Vecellio Mr. and Mrs. Joe Vengrouskie Mr. Edwin Walker Ms. Alecia Wallace Dr. Lloyd Warr Dr. David Welborn Dr. and Mrs. Jerre White Mr. and Mrs. Roland Winter
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A Desert Rose Blooms in Tuscaloosa NEW ADDITION TO THE MUSEUM
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he UA Museum of Natural History is pleased to have received a donation of an unusual mineral specimen to add to their Geological Collections. This specimen was kindly donated by John C. Hilbish and was collected in an outlying area near Tunis, Tunisia. The specimen measures 15 inches long, 8.5 inches wide, and 7.5 inches in height. It is commonly called a “Desert Rose” because of its petal-like appearance. It is reminiscent of a beautiful flower and a crystalline rock formation and requires hundreds to millions of years to form. These specimens are usually a dusty rose, reddish or brown color. The minerals comprising the majority of these rose-like formations are combinations of gypsum, barite, selenite, and/ or celestine. “Desert Rose” is the popular name given to rosette formations of the minerals gypsum and barite. The “Desert Rose” variety is shaped like a rose with petals formed by overlapping blades of selenite. These minerals have been found in a variety of places, such as California, Tunisia, Libya, Mexico, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. The rosette appearance materializes when the crystals form in arid sandy conditions, such as the evaporation of a shallow salt basin. The roses are formed when high tides bring seawater into an arid area and the water becomes cut-off from the sea and evaporates, leaving salt deposits with subsequent crystal formations in drainage areas like flood plains or perennial lake beds. Several factors are involved in the formation of these minerals, such as weather conditions (which have a vital role in the crystal development), and the stability of the groundwater (if the composition of the groundwater alters too much the Desert Rose will dissolve). Given these variable factors, the University of Alabama Museums is very fortunate to be the recipient of the gift of a substantial and naturally beautiful “Desert Rose.”
ONE-OF-A-KIND SHELL TOOTH ARTIFACT DISCOVERED IN THE MUSEUMS COLLECTIONS During the course of a collection rehabilitation project staff of the Museum Collections Department and field technicians from the Office of Archaeological Research discovered a unique and intriguing artifact - a piece of mussel shell carved to resemble a human 1st maxillary incisor. The shell tooth was excavated in 1973 by the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, under contract with the Tennessee Valley Authority. Found on the Widows Creek archaeological site, located in Jackson County, Alabama, it is a one of a kind piece - no other examples are known to exist.” People have been living in the area of the Widows Creek site, off and on, for thousands of years, beginning as a seasonal campsite and progressing into a larger residential and political complex. The earliest evidence of occupation dates to the Middle Archaic period, roughly 5500-6000 B.C., and by A.D. 1200, the site was largely abandoned. The discovery of the shell tooth in a shallow layer of the site suggests it dates to a later occupation of Widows Creek, possibly around A.D. 900-1000. Shell, a locally available and imported raw material, was used by indigenous Americans in a variety of ways. Archaeologists have found bracelets, beads, gorgets, spoons, and ear studs, all made from shell, across the southeast United States. Shell was also a common tempering material used in prehistoric ceramics. The purpose of the shell tooth, however, is not so easy to discern. With no clear function implied in its construction, we can
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only theorize as to its purpose. Maybe it was part of a ceremonial mask, or maybe it was worn as a pendant. Without additional evidence, we may never know the original intent of the artist. What we do know, is that by defeating the odds against survival, and its chance discovery by an archaeologist over 30 years ago, this artifact in some way, no matter how remote or misunderstood, represents the people living there over one thousand years ago.
Moundville named as setting for Inaugural SELTI Writing Contest M
novel on Kindle, “Blind Fate.” Miller’s novel was set in real tourism attractions of Montgomery, Alabama, such as the Rosa Parks Museum. The groundbreaking novel includes a tourism guide at the end where readers can click on links from inside the book and instantly browse the many related tourism websites. By downloading a Kindle app, readers can also purchase Kindle novels on a variety of other e-reading devices such as iPads, smart phones, tablet computers, and regular desktop and laptop computers. The new Kindle Fire will also allow readers to browse the tourism websites from the novel with touchscreen color. The Inaugural SELTI Writing Contest is meant to showcase how public institutions can partner with private writers and publishers for mutual benefit, Miller said. The SELTI project was first introduced to the University of Alabama Museums through a statewide e-newsletter from the Alabama Tourism Department. The newsletter detailed a USA Today feature story on Miller’s work with interactive tourism novels. Interested contestants can view the official rules of the contest by visiting moundville.ua.edu. • After the winner is selected, a short bio and profile photo will be requested for online publication with the short story on SELTI • Writers are encouraged to visit Moundville for inspiration and research, but understand that the museum staff will not participate in the judging process
oundville Archaeological Park has been named the target promotional site for the Inaugural SELTI Writing Contest. The contest is co-sponsored by the Southeastern Literary Tourism Initiative (SELTI) and the University of Alabama Museums. Contestants will compete to write the short story that best promotes tourism to the historic Native American archaeological site. “I look forward to the increased exposure that the tourism fiction contest will bring to the Moundville site,” said Bill Bomar, Director of Moundville Archaeological Park. “Moundville is one of the nation’s premier archaeological sites, yet many outside of Alabama have never heard of it. This is such a creative way to make people aware of such an important part of our heritage.” The winning short story will be published online at the Southeastern Literary Tourism Initiative and will include photos of Moundville and a link to the museum’s website. The global economic downturn has put increasing pressure on tourism attractions and cultural parks everywhere, many of which rely on shrinking government funding and private donations to stay afloat. Although Moundville has done well over the past few years, the tourism fiction contest could be a model for how many other cultural parks could gain exposure and extra funding. “Tourism fiction is an innovative tool that can be used by any city or attraction in the world to engage potential tourists in an entirely new way,” said SELTI founder Patrick Miller, who also published the first interactive tourism
Victoria Mathews Joins the Museums Staff I graduated from the University of Alabama in 2004 with a Bachelors of Science in Commerce and Business Administration with a Major in Accounting and Minor in Computer Technology and Applications. Since graduation I have held various positions through which I have been able to apply my educational background and gain valuable work experience. When not crunching numbers as an accounting specialist, I am a Level 3 Richard Shrake Resistance Free Certified Horse Trainer and Riding Instructor. I enjoy learning from as many different clinicians and people as possible and ever expanding my knowledge of horses and horse training. I also enjoy photography and take pictures whenever I have a chance. I am excited to have the opportunity to serve as the Accounting Specialist in the Museums. Victoria Mathews and Jimmie Sanders, a Seminole living history interpreter, get to know each other at this year’s Moundville Native American Festival.
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Federal Highway Administration and UA Museums Team up to Save Tax Dollars Snodgrass Bridge over Guntersville Reservoir, Jackson County, Alabama
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condition of America’s infrastructure has become a common place topic in today’s media. From economic stimulus and “shovel-ready projects” to TV shows focused on our ever deteriorating highways and bridges, the United States Federal Highway Administration is working furiously to gather data on the country’s roadways. The Office of Archaeological Research (OAR) has recently completed a comprehensive study of historic bridges throughout the state of Alabama. The project began in 2004, and was designed to assist the Federal Highway Administration, the Alabama Department of Transportation, and the Alabama Historical Commission in balancing historic preservation with the need to upgrade and maintain critical transportation features. During the course of the survey, OAR staff documented over
8,000 potentially historic bridges and evaluated their eligibility for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. In all, almost 300 historic bridges which represent a variety of types, manufacturers, construction eras, design principles, aesthetics, and historical themes were recommended by OAR as potentially eligible for listing on the National Register. What this means to the Federal Highways Administration is a rapid response to projects where they are able to determine the historical significance of a bridge more quickly and reduce the start time for highway construction by months if not years. Over the coming decade, with many of Alabama’s bridges slated for replacement or repair, the project will save the American taxpayers millions in preparation costs and additional research studies.
New Director, Matthew Gage, Comes Aboard at the Office of Archaeological Research On October 3 of this year I began as the new Director for the Office of Archaeological Research (OAR) after being away from the University and OAR for seven years. Coming back to Moundville was like coming home. My career at University of Alabama Museums began in 1995 when I went to work as a field crew member on a highway mitigation project with OAR. The excavation was designed to locate and recover a Paleoindian tool kit from the edge of a relic swamp. It was my first introduction to the world of cultural resource management (CRM), and from then on I was hooked. In 2000 I received my MA from Alabama with a thesis focused on the use of remote sensing and core sampling at Moundville. In 2004 I went on to the University of Tennessee to seek a PhD, which I hope to finish next spring. During my time at UT, I worked as a Senior Archaeologist and served the Tennessee Valley Authority on federal compliance projects. It provided me with an opportunity to see the field of CRM from the regulatory side rather than just as a practitioner. I hope to bring my experience to bear in continuing to build OAR and the University of Alabama as a leader in Southeastern archaeology and CRM and to promote the excellence in research and service that the University strives for. M
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Matthew Gage is welcomed as the Office of Archaeological Research’s new director.
UA Museums Honors Douglas E. Jones With Newly Created Membership Level
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n honor and memory of our former director, mentor and friend, Dr. Doug Jones, beginning in 2012 UA Museums has created the Douglas E. Jones Society. The inaugural members of this group are Mrs. Douglas E. Jones (Bonnie) and her children, Mrs. Beth Jones Halsey, Mrs. Susan Jones Driggers, and Mr. Bryan Jones. Joining the Jones family as the second member is Dr. Robert A. Clouse, executive director of UA Museums. Proceeds from these gifts will benefit improvements to the Museums’ Collections, where Dr. Jones worked diligently for many years after his retirement. For more information about joining this group, please contact Kelli Harris, Museums Development Director, at kharris@ua.edu or 205-348-9826.
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA MUSEUMS MEMBERSHIP
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GIVING LEVELS & BENEFITS uch of the natural beauty of Alabama is found among its many rivers. To recognize the vital role these rivers play in making our state unique, the University of Alabama Museums has designated gift membership levels with the names of some of Alabama’s best-known and beloved rivers.
All membership levels are important to the Museum. We hope you will be as generous as your circumstances allow.
ALABAMA RIVER $40
CAHABA RIVER $250
• Unlimited admission (except for special events) to: Moundville Archaeological Park Alabama Museum of Natural History Gorgas House Paul W. Bryant Museum • Membership newsletter • Discounts on Museum programs and Summer Expedition • Membership card and decal • Recognition in newsletter • Invitations to special member events
• Free admission to Moundville Native American Festival • Unlimited admission to Museums for member and 5 guests • Gift membership for one year at Alabama level • 20% discount at University of Alabama Museum Shops • Other benefits as listed in previous level
BLACK WARRIOR RIVER $100 • Receive Discovering Alabama DVDs • 10% discount at University of Alabama Museum Shops • Other benefits as listed in previous level
COOSA RIVER $500 • Unlimited admission to Museums for member and 7 guests • Book on natural history from The University of Alabama Press • Reduced rental rates for Museum facilities • Other benefits as listed in previous level
SIPSEY RIVER $1000
DOUGLAS E. JONES SOCIETY $2500 • Unlimited admission to UA Museums for 12 guests • Special recognition in Smith Hall Foyer • Three gift memberships for one year at the Cahaba River Level • Other benefits as listed in the previous level
EUGENE ALLEN SMITH SOCIETY $5000 • Special recognition in Smith Hall foyer • Special Museum excursion lead by Executive Director of The University of Alabama Museums • Unlimited admission to Museums for member and 15 guests • Other benefits as listed in previous level
• Unlimited admission to Museums for member and 10 guests • Three gift memberships for one year at Black Warrior level • Other benefits as listed in previous level
Yes, I/we want to support The University of Alabama Museums ALABAMA RIVER $40
Charge to:
BLACK WARRIOR RIVER $100
MasterCard
CAHABA RIVER $250
Account Number ______________________________________________
COOSA RIVER $500
Expiration Date _______________________________________________
SIPSEY RIVER $1000
My Signature _________________________________________________
DOUGLAS EPPS JONES SOCIETY $2500
Name(s) _____________________________________________________
EUGENE ALLEN SMITH SOCIETY $5000
Address _____________________________________________________
My/our membership is enclosed My employer will match this gift
Visa
Phone_______________________________________________________ E-mail ______________________________________________________
Please make checks payable to the University of Alabama Museums and mail to: Box 870340 • Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0340 Your annual gift is tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Thank you for your support.
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
TUSCALOOSA AL PERMIT #16
Box 870340 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487–0340 (205) 348-7550 museums.ua.edu museum.programs@ua.edu
Connect with UA Museums on Facebook Your visit to Moundville Archaeological Park, the Alabama Museum of Natural History or the Gorgas House doesn’t have to end at the front door lobby. Stay connected with UA Museums online, wherever in the world you may be! Become a fan on Facebook. This is the place to connect with the museums and lovers of natural and American history from around the world. Connect with Moundville Archaeological Park, the Alabama Museum of Natural History, the Office of Archaeological Research or the Gorgas House on Facebook by visiting our pages and clicking on the “Like” button.
Volunteers Needed at Moundville Archaeological Park Retired and looking for something fulfilling to do? Need more volunteer service hours to help gain admission into college or get scholarships? Can you spare us at least one day per month? If so, then Moundville Archaeological Park needs you! With the reopening of our renovated museum, park personnel are eager to train new museum docents this winter. Our first docent training class for 2012 has been scheduled from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, January 21st at Moundville Archaeological Park. Taken from the Latin word docere, meaning “to teach“, a docent is someone highly able to lecture or teach on a particular subject. Museum docents are highly trained individuals that give in-depth tours to visitors. Moundville’s docent training session teaches students the fundamentals of archaeology, the prehistory and history of Moundville and its cultural significance and introduces them to the museum’s new exhibits. We also strive to impart candidates with good communication and interpretative skills. All materials are provided as well as coffee and snacks in the morning and lunch will be served in the afternoon. Several presentations by different personnel as well as a guided tour of the Jones Museum keep the program lively. All potential docents will eventually shadow experienced guides as they give their tours before ultimately conducting a tour on their own. We ask that anyone volunteering for the training be willing to donate at least one eight hour day of their time per month. For more information or to sign up for the class, email crcooper crimson.ua.edu or call 205-371-8732.