In a message dated 2/14/02 8:17:56 AM US Eastern Standard Time, md9105@skyenet.net writes: > Hello List, > > I had an idea. > > 1. Some Archealogists are not up to speed on cemetery restoration and stone > repair. > > To the List, If you read my E-mail I know you understand that I was not Degrading nor belittling Archaeologist. I spoke of them as Professionals. And I said they looked at a site and then gave their Professional Opinion without playing favorites. I said they gave their report in a "Damn the Torpedoes, full speed ahead " attitude regardless of the outcome of their decision. There is no way they can come out in a Win Win situation. As in anything, there will be someone unhappy. Either the land owners, Preservationist, or Developers. Especially the ones paying if the opinion doesn't go their way. As far as Archaeologists training goes, their job is to preserve articles as they are found. Repairing those Articles is not part of their Educational Training. Lately since Preservation of partially destroyed Tombstones has become a prominent Issue, they now have a new approach pushed on them. Judging as to the possibility of Repairing broken articles of Historical value to us, that in the past was thrown over in a field or woods outside the cemetery, and forgotten. We have for the first time I believe in modern History, started looking at Old partially Destroyed and neglected Cemeteries as a Historical Item, just as Important to us as Ancient Burial Sites. We want to preserve the History and way of life of our Ancestors as much as we do the History and way of life of Native Americans. They, like us came here from another Continent. The only difference being, they came by Land Bridge across the Bering Straights, and we came Later by Ship. We must all approach this awareness in the Newer Burial Sites of our Pioneer Ancestors, and start treating their Burial sites with as much respect and dignity as we afford the early Native Americans. We have past and present History. Both deserve the same respect. I believe the way to start on this New Awareness is to start with the Teaching of the Archeologist. They must understand that Times are changing. Their ways of thinking must change also, just as ours has. They will never have the time to include Repairing into their work. But they must begin to approach these Neglected Cemeteries with the same respect and fervor that they have for Ancient Burial Grounds. Both types of Burial Sites are a part of the History of this Great Country, not just the Ancient sites. We and they must learn to respect ALL of those who passed before us. Everyone, Developers, Politicians, Archaeologist, Preservationist and the Public in General, must adapt to our new way of thinking. We no longer wish to allow the Hallowed ground of our Ancestors to be treated with anything but dignity and respect. I don't want my Ancestors to be treated as Second Class due to their European Ancestry. We must all pull together. By so doing, with our new Awareness we all come out winners. The Archeologist, with their Professional Training is a Wonderful place to start. Maybe during the summer, some could attend a Cemetery Seminar and be able to understand our side of the issue, and see things from our standpoint, and we would be able to understand theirs. How many of us have ever met and shook hands with an Archaeologist, or even seen one. Just my Damn opinion again, Your Opinions are also welcomed: Jack E. Briles Sr. jb502000@aol.com Po Box 444 New Albany, In. 47151-0444 (8120 282-6585