2006

• February 8-10: Saving Places 2006: Building on the Past. Colorado Preservation, Inc., Denver, CO. Sessions addressed the anniversaries of the Antiquities Act, Mesa Verde National Park, and the National Historic Preservation Act. For more information contact apritzlaff@coloradopreservation.org or 303 893-4260.
• April 19-22: The National Council on Public History and the Organization of American Historians, Washington, D.C. Special session "The Centennial of the American Antiquities Act, 1906-2006" at the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

• Presiding: Kate Stevenson, National Trust for Historic Preservation
  "The Antiquities Act and the Acreage Debate," Frank Norris, National Park Service
  "The Antiquities Act of 1906 and the Early Development of Federal Historic Preservation in the United States," Richard Sellars, National Park Service
  Commentator: Peter Iverson, Arizona State University
  

• April 26-30: Society for American Archaeology Annual Meeting, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Special two-part symposium: "Centennial Reflections and Challenges: The Antiquities Act of 1906" on April 27, sponsored by the SAA Board of Directors . The session aimed to connect insights garnered from past political contexts to both present and future political strategizing. Read details about the participants and the paper abstracts here .
• May 24-27: "A New Century of Preservation," New Mexico Heritage Preservation Alliance Conference, Gallup, NM. Sessions included several presentations on the Antiquities Act, plus a keynote by Former Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall.
• June 8: Centennial of the Antiquities Act. Read the NPS Press Release.
• June 8:The National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Wilderness Society present "The 100th Anniversary of the Antiquities Act: A Forum on the Protection of America's Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Second Century," 9am - 12noon, U.S. Navy Memorial and Heritage Center. For more information click here.
• October 9: Antiquities Act conference and anniversary celebration hosted by the The Natural Resources Law Center and the Center of the American West, Wolf Law Building, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO.
• November 15-19: American Anthropological Association Annual Meeting, San Jose, CA. Read about the proposed session here (.doc).

2005

• March 17: "Commemorating the Centennial: History and Accomplishments of the Antiquities Act of 1906", George Wright Society, Philadelphia, PA

  This panel discussed historical topics associated with the development of the Antiquities Act, the meaning of its terminology, and the use of the Act to establish national monuments.

• April 2: "Examining the Historical Context for the Antiquities Act (1879-1906)," Society for American Archaeology Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, UT

  In this session, examination of the historical context illuminated how different interests were served and others ignored or surpassed by the law and policies embedded in its provisions. A century ago the first national law for the protection of archaeological resources was enacted in the United States after nearly three decades of struggle (1879-1906). Two generations of advocates labored for the public protection and oversight of the treatment of American archaeological resources. Understanding the cultural, economic, and political factors that influenced the individuals and organizations engaged in development of the law provides a foundation for evaluating its effects during the 20th century. The following papers area available online:

  • Read the session abstract.
    David Browman, Department of Anthropology, Washington University and Stephen Williams, Peabody Museum, Harvard University
    Chip Colwell-Chanthaphonh, Center for Desert Archaeology
    Frank G. Matero, Historic Preservation Program, University of Pennsylvania
    Francis P. McManamon, Archeology Program, NPS
    Hal Rothman, Department of History, University of Nevada
    

• April 7: "The Antiquities Act of 1906: Perspectives and Analysis on the Eve of the Act's Centennial," Society for Applied Anthropology, Santa Fe, NM

• May 3: "Common Ground—AAM and Antiquities Act—1906-2006 and Beyond," The American Association of Museums Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, IN

  This panel focused on the common heritage of AAM and the Antiquities Act, challenging the audience to leave a legacy for the next century that will address today's pressing issues. In 1906 the Antiquities Act protected archeological sites and collections and museums stepped up to curate, exhibit, and interpret these rich resources for the public. After 100 years, this responsibility burdens many museums and cataloging, exhibits, and public programs lag behind archeological investigations. A review of the past heritage and present issues set the stage for the challenge. The following papers are available online:

  • Ann Hitchcock, Chief Curator, NPS (Session Chair)
    Joe E. Watkins, Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico
    

• September 30: Centennial of the Antiquities Act Information Session, National Preservation Conference, Portland, OR

  This session included information about achievements based on this act, its influence on subsequent national historic preservation laws, and plans for commemoration of the Antiquities Act centennial.

• November 30 - December 4: American Anthropological Society Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C.