Dr. Mark Lynott has retired after 34 years as supervisory archeologist at the Midwest Archeological Center, including 17 years as center manager.

Mark came to the center in 1978 to develop and direct the Midwest Division archeological program at a time when the center served both the Midwest and former Rocky Mountain Regions.  

While in this position, he worked closely with center and park staff to initiate archeological research and management across many parks, notably Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, and multiple Great Lakes park areas. He built a viable program where none had existed previously.

Until the reorganization of the National Park Service in 1994 and 1995, Mark served as regional archeologist and coordinated all aspects of archeological research and management in the Midwest Region’s parks.

In early 1996, after the NPS reorganization was completed, Mark was appointed center manager.  His contributions to the center since this time have included the implementation of a team approach to management and research of archeological resources and fostering close relationships among center, regional, and park staffs.  Despite increased demands associated with the position of manager, Mark has maintained direct involvement in archeological research, with the development of active research programs in several MWR parks as a result.

Mark has held an adjunct position in the University of Nebraska Anthropology Department and has frequently taught courses there. Included are classes in archeological methods, cultural resource management, and multiple field schools. Through these courses and his support for hiring students in part time positions at MWAC, he has trained hundreds of students in all aspects of archeological research and management. Many of those students have gone on to successful archeological careers across the United States. His ability to collaborate across sectors and fields, and his interest in innovative and multidisciplinary research has resulted in significant advances in knowledge. 

Mark has promoted the application of geoarcheological and geophysical methods to archeological resources, and has played pivotal roles in extensive research projects at Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. His innovative and inclusive research methods at Hopewell Culture NHP are a model for excellence in archeological research and management.

Contact Information
Name: Jill K. Lewis
Email: Jill_Lewis@nps.gov