In the Dig House: Behind the Scenes in Archaeology
Freer, Meyer Auditorium
Saturday, April 25, 10 am–1:30 pm
Archaeologists reveal what work and life are like on a dig site during this half-day event. Four guest speakers—Zaydoon Zaid, Emily Hammer, Christopher Tuttle, and Marya Fisher—address such topics as life on early expeditions in the Middle East, the ways that archaeologists have recorded excavations since the 1950s, the impact of scientific techniques on the field, the evolving role of students, and relationships between local teams and foreign archaeologists. A round table discussion follows the presentations. Open to the public; no registration required.
Program
10–10:45 am: Coffee in the Freer courtyard
10:45 am–12:30 pm: Presentations
Dr. Zaydoon Zaid, vice president, American Foundation for the Study of Man (AFSM), “Uncovering the Past: The Content of AFSM’s Archive”
Dr. Emily Hammer, director, Center for Ancient Middle Eastern Landscapes, Oriental Institute, University of Chicago, “Digital Technologies and Archaeology in the Modern Middle East”
Dr. Christopher Tuttle, executive director, Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC), “Protecting and Preserving the World Heritage Site of Petra, Jordan: Engaging Local Communities in Sustainable Preservation Efforts”
Marya Fisher, PhD candidate and Erwin Panofsky Fellow at the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University, “My Empire of Dirt: A Student’s View from the Dig House”
12:30 pm: Round table discussion
1:30pm: Program concludes
