2005 John L. Cotter Award for Excellence in NPS Archeology

Pictured from left are: Regional Director Joseph M. Lawler;  Chief Archeologist Francis P. McManamon; Archeologist Joy Beasley; Superintendent of Monocacy NB Susan Trail, and Regional Archeologist, NCR Stephen R. Potter. NPS photo.

The 2005 Cotter Award has been given to Joy Beasley, Park Cultural Resources Program Manager, Monocacy National Battlefield, for her project leadership of “Archeological Identification and Evaluation Study of the Best Farm.” This project was conducted under a Cooperative Agreement between the Battlefield and the Center for Heritage Studies, University of Maryland. The award was presented on Tuesday, 26 April 2005, by Regional Director Joseph M. Lawler and Chief Archeologist Francis P. McManamon during a NPS Archeology meeting at the National Capital Museum Resources Center in Landover, MD.

The four-year multidisciplinary project identified and investigated prehistoric occupations of the area; L’Hermitage Plantation (1790-1827) and the associated living quarters of enslaved African laborers; the Best family farmhouse and barn, in use since the 1790s; and Civil War military actions, including the burial of an unknown soldier. Research methods and techniques used included intensive remote sensing, historical research, recovery of over 45,000 artifacts, partnerships with local organizations, and a successful public outreach program.

Three graduate students completed MA or Honors thesis research under Beasley’s guidance. Over 100 individuals from local avocational archeology groups, metal-detecting clubs, historical societies, and other organizations contributed more than 5,500 hours to the project. Several volunteers logged hours toward the fulfillment of the Archeological Society of Maryland’s Certified Archeological Technician program.

Project members presented formal papers and made numerous presentations to professional societies, avocational archeological groups, and clubs. Educational outreach efforts include the dissemination of study results, public education about scientific research and analysis techniques, and cultural resource protection and preservation policies.

Joy’s leadership and scholarship, exhibited in part by this project, has made a major contribution to archeological research at Monocacy National Battlefield through the Best Farm archeological identification and evaluation study. Her performance exemplifies the qualities of leadership and excellence that the Cotter Award was established to recognize.