Celebrating Archaeology: International Archaeology Day
October 23, 2013
Hosted by Dr. Joseph Schuldenrein
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Guest Information
Episode Description
Archaeological discoveries and the lives of archaeologists have long captured the public’s imagination. However, few people realize that archaeology exists as close as their back door, or that they do not have to be an expert to be involved with archaeological projects and objects. Have you always been interested in archaeology but unsure how to find out more? Do you pick up National Geographic at the newsstand or subscribe to Archaeology magazine? Do you wish you could learn more about archaeology in your area? Turns out you’re not alone! Over 60,000 people participated in last year’s National Archaeology Day hosted by the Archaeological Institute of America. This year is expected to be even bigger requiring an entire month of celebration and including an international component. Tune in as we talk to Ben Thomas, the Director of Programs for the AIA, and discuss the events International Archaeology Day has inspired. You’ll be able to learn more about the 300 events planned in celebration and find out how you can participate in your area!
Indiana Jones: Myth, Reality and 21st Century Archaeology
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Variety Channel
This show targets an audience interested in archaeology. It explores myths surrounding this exotic, often misunderstood field and acquaints listeners with the contemporary practice of unearthing the human past. Themes range from Dr. Schuldenrein’s own “Indiana Jones”-like adventures in the land of the Bible to his team’s archaeological forensics effort to unearth Kurdish mass graves in Iraq. That undertaking helped convict Saddam Hussein in 2006. Topical issues contribute to the evolution vs. creationism controversy based on updated fossil records and innovative DNA studies. An episode highlights the main funding source for archaeology in the U.S. (Hint: the oil and gas industry). Experts reveal the latest high-tech approaches to buried archaeological landscapes that provide clues to understanding climate change, past, present and future.
Dr. Joseph Schuldenrein
Joseph Schuldenrein is president and senior scientist of Geoarcheology Research Associates (GRA) in Yonkers, New York. He has been a Visiting Scholar at New York University since 1996. His professional expertise is in geoarchaeology, a sub-discipline that introduces earth science techniques to traditional archaeological excavation. Joe has worked extensively across North America and the Old World. He received his doctorate in 1983 at the University of Chicago. Recent research in North America has concentrated on the urban archaeology of New York City and Native American landscapes of the Atlantic Coast. Joe’s projects in South Asia have ranged from Human Origins investigations to the beginnings of civilization of the Indus Valley. During the Iraq war Dr. Schuldenrein’s team helped direct a forensic archaeological mission in support of the Saddam Hussein prosecution. His newest venture is an assessment of Cultural Heritage Sites in war-torn Afghanistan (2011). Dr. Schuldenrein publishes widely in numerous archaeological and geological journals. He is a reviewer for American Antiquity, Geoarchaeology, and Quaternary Science Reviews. He has acted as Principal Investigator or Consulting Scientist for grants awarded by the National Science Foundation, Wenner-Gren, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute for Aegean Prehistory. Dr. Schuldenrein has been interviewed for PBS, as well as national and regional TV and radio outlets over the past 30 years.
