As many
of you know, the Niles District Library was the site of the 10th annual
Midwest Historical Archaeology Conference organized by the Fort St. Joseph
Archaeological Project, a partnership between Western Michigan University and
the City of Niles, MI, September 26-27, 2014. I initiated the conference in
2005 at Western Michigan University and it since been held annually throughout
the region. The conference provided an opportunity for archaeologists, historians,
heritage planners, economic developers, museums specialists, and other
stakeholders to discuss effective strategies to manage the archaeological
resources associated with Fort St. Joseph, our 18th-century French
trading post that has been under investigation since 1998.
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| Conference attendees toured the site of Fort St. Joseph on a beautiful fall day. Photo by Cathrine Davis. |
By all accounts, the conference was a huge success. Over 80
historic preservation and heritage tourism specialists, along with local
supporters, were in attendance over the two-day conference. The first day began
with a welcome from Niles City Administrator Ric Huff, followed by
presentations about the Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project from project
participants José António Brandão, Terry Martin, Bob Myers, Juan Ganum, and me.
About 60 people then toured the fort site where I gave a brief overview of its
discovery and investigations over the past 16 years. We then broke into smaller
groups to visit the Fort St. Joseph Museum and the proposed interpretive center
to be housed in the old post office on Main Street. Fort St. Joseph Archaeology
Advisory Committee members Dorilee Schieble, Larry Sehy, Dave Bainbridge, and
Carol Bainbridge greeted visitors and discussed their vision for the building.
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| Members of the City Council enjoyed refreshments at the sponsored reception and learned more about public and professional interest in Fort St. Joseph archaeology. Photo by Sue Reichert. |
After lunch, we rolled up our sleeves and engaged in the
real work of discussing the drivers and barriers to creating sustainable
facilities, programs, and partnerships to bring the story of Fort St. Joseph to
a larger audience. The discussion was ably facilitated by John Beck from
Michigan State University and included a good mix of local stakeholders,
students, and preservation professionals from academic, governmental, and
private sectors. Ideas regarding goals and measures of success were also
discussed and recorded in small and large groups. A consensus emerged that the
program had a good track record and was well positioned to build on past
accomplishments to make Niles and Fort St. Joseph a heritage tourism
destination. Students in my Historical Archaeology (ANTH 3030) class will
summarize the information that was gathered to prepare a comprehensive report containing
recommendations for a 5-year plan in support of archaeology and heritage
tourism at Fort St. Joseph. The report will be made available to the Fort St.
Joseph Archaeology Advisory Committee and posted online for broad dissemination.
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| The Niles District Library was an ideal venue for MHAC10. Photo by Sue Reichert. |
Friday was capped off by a wonderful reception provided by
our partners, Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos, P.C. The keynote
presentation was kindly delivered by Lynn Evans (Director of Archaeology at
Mackinac State Historic Parks) who stepped in for Uzi Baram whose flight was
canceled due to a fire in an aircraft control tower that halted air traffic
throughout the region.
More discussion, presentations, and posters filled the
Library on Saturday as many of the attendees returned and new faces appeared. A
number of invited papers focused on the theme of managing archaeological
heritage in the 21st century, while other contributed papers
provided updates on various projects throughout the Midwest and beyond. Dean
Anderson (State Archaeologist of Michigan) moderated audience questions and
comments, which provided ample opportunity for interaction and exchange of
ideas and perspectives. Funding for the conference was provided by the City of
Niles; Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos, P.C.; Western Michigan University;
and the Joseph L. Peyser Endowment for the Study of New France. Numerous
volunteers contributed their time and energy to ensure a smooth flow and
pleasant venue conducive to planning the future of the past at Fort St. Joseph.
I am grateful to all of our community partners, students, and professional
colleagues who made MHAC10 a memorable experience for all who attended.
Sincerely,
Michael S. Nassaney, Ph.D.
Professor
of Anthropology
Principal
Investigator
Fort St.
Joseph Archaeological Project
