The annual Society for American Archaeology conference in Denver, attracting about 7,000 members and more than 1,000 presentations, saw a notable absence of government archaeologists this year. This retreat occurred after multiple federal agencies curtailed travel funding, mostly impacting discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.), leading to the cancellation of vital department meetings and workshops.
Experts believe that archaeological efforts across the country face an increasingly precarious situation. The reduction in government support for research, preservation, and museums has resulted in a slew of staff layoffs and project cancellations, affecting the academic, private, and governmental sectors alike.
Christopher D. Dore, president of the Society for American Archaeology, highlighted the ironic timing of these funding cuts, coinciding with the approaching 250th anniversary of the United States. He lamented the loss of opportunities to explore and protect the nation’s history, remarking on the implications of failing to properly oversee federal sites. The threats posed by looting, visitor damage, and environmental erosion will only escalate with inadequate staff to manage these cultural treasures, he warned.
“Archaeological resources are not renewable,” Dore stressed, underscoring the irreplaceable nature of these sites and the essential information they contain. Once lost, they cannot be restored, highlighting the growing alarm over the present trajectory of archaeological research and preservation in America. As these challenges mount, experts call for renewed support and commitment to safeguarding the nation's rich historical legacy.
