Web Editor's Note for 1947 Archeological Report

by C. Boehle

When you visit Whitman Mission National Historic Site today, you will not see much evidence of Garth's 1947 archeological work. The sites were covered with dirt and gravel after the dig in order to preserve them; this is one of the best ways to preserve an archeological site after digging it. What you will see is the outlines, or "footprint", of the buildings, marking the size and location of each structure.

If the National Park Service had chosen to leave Garth's work exposed to the elements for visitors to see 50 years ago, we would have destroyed what was left underground. Part of the mission of the National Park Service is "to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations" (NPS Organic Act, 16 USC 1). Re-covering the sites allows future archeologists to re-dig if necessary or use new technology as it becomes available to learn more about Waiilatpu.