International Archaeology Day, October 19, 2013
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORBUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENTWASHINGTON, D.C. 20240http://www.blm.gov/July 16, 2013In Reply Refer To:8100 (240) PEMS TRANSMISSION 07/29/2013Information Bulletin No. 2013-088To: All Field Office OfficialsFrom: Assistant Director, Renewable Resources and PlanningSubject: International Archaeology Day, October 19, 2013The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) is organizing a celebration of the International Archaeology Day on October 19, 2013, with events throughout the month of October. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a collaborating organization in this effort. The AIA, founded in 1879, is a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting public interest in past cultures and civilizations, archaeological research, and preservation of archaeological heritage. National Archaeology Day was first recognized by the U.S. Congress in 2011. It is now the International Archeology Day and had participation from eight countries last year. International Archaeology Day provides an opportunity to showcase your archaeological programs such as Project Archaeology and archaeological resources that are appropriate for public visitation and interpretation. Possible events include archaeological fairs, lab open houses, classroom visits, tours, meetings, or lectures. International Archaeology Day events hosted by the BLM may be included in an AIA centralized calendar which is located at: http://www.archaeological.org.Last year, BLM field offices took advantage of this opportunity, including the Winnemucca District Office, Nevada. According to Margaret McGuckian of the Winnemucca District Office, “The presentation, ‘Chert, Sulphur, and Gold: The Black Rock Desert and the Archaeology of Place,’ filled the local museum conference room with a standing-room only audience of approximately 50 people. This National Archaeology Day event not only helped the public to better understand local history, and local, regional and global prehistory, it also inspired discussions about additional interpretation of the findings from this project as well as other local archaeological and paleontological resources.”We have attached a letter from the Chief Executive Officer of AIA that provides more information on AIA’s plans for International Archaeology Day and the process for listing events. All state and field offices may contact the AIA directly for this purpose.If you have any questions, please contact Robin Hawks, Federal Preservation Officer, BLM WO-240, at (202) 912-7241, or rhawks@blm.gov. Signed by: Authenticated by:Edwin L. Roberson Robert M. WilliamsAssistant Director Division of IRM Governance,WO-560Renewable Resources and Planning1 Attachment 1 - AIA Chief Executive Officer Letter (1 p)