New Year's Resolutions: 2013 and Beyond

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2013 is the 110 year anniversary of the Wisconsin Archeological Society. As we all prepare for the holidays and look forward to 2013, the Wisconsin Archeological Society is also looking toward the future. Looking back at 2012 and earlier, the Society saw some notable changes and events:

  • A new chapter was formed - the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Archaeology Club. This chapter is unique in that it is totally composed of students.
  • At the spring 2012 meeting, Robert "Ernie" Boszhardt finished up his term as president, and Kurt Sampson began his term.
  • Heather Walder was awarded the Wisconsin Archaeological Society Research Award for her work on fur-trade-era glass trade beads and copper kettle re-working by Native peoples.
  • The backstock of journal issues and merchandise has been consolidated mostly-eliminated, opening up opportunities for new merchandise and digital distribution of journal issues.
  • The first deposit of Society documents was made with the Wisconsin Historical Society for permanent professional archiving and public access. 
  • The Society migrated to new website and email services.

Looking toward 2013 and reflecting on our 110 years, we have several things planned for the new year and beyond, including:

  • Increased funding to the Wisconsin Archeological Society Research Award, allowing for two recipients of $500 each instead of the current single $500 award.
  • Increased funding to the Preservation of Sites committee
  • Formulation of an Education and Outreach committee
  • New additions to the website, including education resources and individual chapter webpages
  • Online videos of Society and Chapter lectures, to reach members who are unable to attend. (Filming with proper permission from speakers and institutions)
  • Digitization of The Wisconsin Archeologist back issues, with all 110+ years of the journal being available on CD and as digital download (physical copies will still be distributed twice per year as always) 

What would you like to see the Wisconsin Archeological Society do? What changes would you like to see? Please comment below, on our Facebook page, or send us an email at contact@wiarcheologicalsociety.org. As always, we welcome members' submissions to the Newsletter, and archaeological news stories from around the state for posting to the website.

Now is an excellent time to share your ideas and concerns. The Society cannot operate without the input of its members, and even the simplest participation can result in big changes and exciting new programs. This is your society, so make your voices heard!

Looking forward to celebrating our 110 years,

Kurt Sampson, president