2000 John L. Cotter Award for Excellence in NPS Archeology

From left to right: David Orr; Cotter Award winner Joe Labadie; Frank McManamon. NPS photo.

Amistad National Recreation Area archeologist Joe Labadie received the first annual John L. Cotter award for excellence in NPS archeology at ceremonies held in Philadelphia on April 4, 2000. The award was presented by Francis McManamon, NPS Chief Archeologist, and David Orr, Chief of the Valley Forge Cultural Resource Center.

The award was given to Labadie for his work as Co-Principal Investigator, along with archeologist Michael B. Collins, University of Texas, Austin for the 1999 Texas Archeological Society’s field school held at Amistad NRA in June 12-19, 1999. The field school goals fell into two general categories: one aimed to answer specific questions about prehistoric land use patterns; the second directed towards assisting the park’s cultural resource management program.

Archeological field work was organized into 20 different geographic areas dispersed over an area 35 miles long by 20 miles wide; field crews worked at a total of 71 archeological sites. Nearly 300 participants registered for the field school and performed archeological surveys, site documentation, GPS mapping, test excavations, conservation projects, and rock art documentation. Participants and the public were also treated to 15 afternoon and evening programs that covered a wide range of topics, especially Native American cultures of the region.

Three documentaries were filmed during the field school. In September 1999, as part of Texas Archeological Awareness month, Texas Parks and Wildlife’s documentary on the field school was broadcast via an internet webcast to more than 2,000 schools across the nation.

The 8-day field school donated more than $125,000 in volunteer labor. It also forged a strong, long-term relationship with professional and avocational archeologists and other scientists for the benefit of Amistad NRA’s cultural resources.

According to park Superintendent William Sontag, “Joe’s efforts in organizing this field school will benefit the park and community for years to come. He richly deserves this award, and we’re proud of his accomplishments and proud to have him on our staff.”