Ever heard of a pawpaw? If not, you’re not alone! Even though some say it’s been “forgotten” the pawpaw was, and is, a pretty big deal. Why? Here are a few reasons! It’s the largest native fruit tree in North America and the fruit itself is the largest edible fruit in North America Pawpaw tastes like a cross between a mango and banana and can … Continue reading Pickin’ Pawpaws: Archaeology and America’s native fruit

What to do? The question many young people find themselves asking after they enter college. I asked the same question after my first semester of my freshman year. I knew I loved history and being outside so I thought a career in archaeology would blend these interests. It certainly has. My career in archaeology started in 1995 at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. … Continue reading Meet the New Archaeologist, Jared Barrett, United States Army Corps of Engineers – Louisville District

Prior to conducting the cultural resource survey in 2007, Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc., had conducted archaeological investigations in the Lower Howard’s Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve intermittently since 1998. Archival research on the valley’s history was completed in 1998 and a pedestrian survey was conducted in 2001 to examine the visible cultural resources in the Lower Howard’s Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve. In 2002, CRA conducted a field school … Continue reading Archaeological Investigations of Site 15Ck478 at Lower Howard’s Creek

 Is there still a role for Avocational Societies? The question must be raised if there is still a value to avocational societies.  And the answer is certainly “yes”.  However, the role of archaeological societies may need to be reevaluated.  During their heyday in the sixties and seventies, societies made significant contributions to the discipline through site excavation and reporting.  This is no longer an easy … Continue reading ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETIES…A THING OF THE PAST?: Part 2

The National Directory for Archaeological Societies lists fewer than 100 archaeological societies across the US, with only two in Indiana, one (The Kentucky Archaeological Survey) in Kentucky, and none in West Virginia. Granted, this list does not appear to be inclusive of all the organizations for those states. There are several notable omissions such as the Central Ohio Valley Archaeological Society (COVAS), the Kentucky Chapter … Continue reading ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETIES…A THING OF THE PAST?: Part 1

The paleoethnobotanical laboratory at CRA provides analysis of botanical remains for historic and prehistoric archaeological sites. Paleoethnobotany or archaeobotany is the study of the relationship between plants and people through the field of archaeology. Paleoethnobotanists learn how plants were utilized for food, medicine, clothing, and houses. Archaeology flotation separates the organic material from the soil.   A wide variety of methods are utilized to identify and recover … Continue reading Paleoethnobotany: Botanical analysis of archaeological sites

I’m reading the book Subliminal by Leonard Mlodinow.  The book Subliminal is a close study of the unconscious human mind, the little and big ways that the unconscious influences our daily life; almost entirely unnoticed.  It often talks about unspoken cues that can cause us to either listen or turn away; to remember or to forget. I know this doesn’t seem related to archaeology, but … Continue reading Understanding Other People

At the request of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), CRA completed National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) evaluations for six previously documented sites (Site 15Jf813–15Jf817 and 15Jf820), additional data recovery investigations at Site 15Jf813, and exploratory trenching at Parcel 155 (later subsumed within Site 15Jf813) associated with the LSIORB Downtown Bridge Project in Jefferson County, Kentucky. During the investigations, KYTC requested that CRA complete the … Continue reading National Register Evaluation, Data Recovery, and Exploratory Trenching for the Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges (LSIORB) Downtown Bridge Project

The Davis Bottom neighborhood, also designated the Southend Redevelopment Area, is being developed in conjunction with the Newtown Pike Extension Project in Lexington, Kentucky. This neighborhood was developed following the Civil War, and it initially included European immigrants, native European-American Kentuckians, and African Americans. By the turn-of-the-twentieth century, Davis Bottom had transformed into a primarily African-American neighborhood, and it still often is regarded as such, … Continue reading Archaeological Investigations for the Newtown Pike Extension Project

Hi, everyone. On September 22, I am heading out to the former home of Judge Joseph Holt, who was the first person to serve in the position of Judge Advocate General. The property is located west of Addison at 6205 Highway 144, Hardinsburg, Breckinridge County, Kentucky. Please come out and join us. The event will take place from 9am until 2pm, but rumor has it … Continue reading 10th Annual Holt Home Community Day Celebration