2013 John L. Cotter Award for Excellence in NPS Archeology

The John L. Cotter Award for Excellence in NPS Archeology Committee has announced the winning Project Excellence Award and Career Achievement Award.

The winners are:

Darlene Hassler-Godwin and Justin Ebersole. NPS photo.

Darlene Hassler-Godwin and Justin Ebersole (Project Excellence)

Darlene Hassler-Godwin and Justin Ebersole are awarded for their outstanding work at Harpers Ferry NHP. In addition to field excavation, mapping, and lab processing and analysis, special attention was given to soil, ceramic and lithic analyses. Pollen analysis on soil samples, and starch and protein extractions on ceramic and lithic samples confirm the presence of maize that was processed in the ceramic vessels, dated to about 900 A.D. One projectile point, dating to the Late Archaic (c. 2,500–1,200 B.C.), was used on a fish.

Another interesting outcome of this multi-faceted project was mapping of the tail race for water powering armory machinery. The tunnel is comprised of two sections, forming a “Y,” constructed as a series of arched vaults that document the complex evolution of the tailrace system. Other discoveries include use of brick in transitional or curved areas of the vault, and in other locations corresponding directly with armory shops.

Learn more about the project by watching Hassler-Godwin's and Ebersole's webinar, Recent Excavations at Harpers Ferry NHP.

Northwest College archaeology students surveying tipi rings. NPS photo.

Chris Finley (Professional Achievement)

Chris Finley (now retired) is awarded for his outstanding stewardship of the cultural history and values of Bighorn Canyon NRA. Chris has been a tireless advocate for promoting partnerships and collaboration between American Indian groups and the park. He has carried out many seasons of mapping tipi rings with Native American students.

Learn more about the project by watching Finley’s webinar, The Northwest College Field School at Bighorn Canyon NRA.