Author: asv2026

We are thrilled to announce this year’s keynote speaker: Dr. Matt Reeves, Director of Archaeology and Landscape Restoration for James Madison’s Montpelier! Trust us, you do not want to miss his incredible presentation.

Structural Parity, Descendant Engagement, & Community Archaeology at a Presidential Plantation Site

In 2022, Montpelier achieved structural parity with the Montpelier Descendants Committee (MDC) and in the same year started making plans for the design of a memorial at the Montpelier Burial Ground of the Enslaved (a site containing over 250 burials of the enslaved). These two events were not unrelated and led to an active working relationship between the Montpelier Archaeology Department and the MDC. This achievement in 2022 was the culmination of 20 years of descendant engagement and culture change at a presidential house site. This paper will explore how our two organizations have partnered through the entire archaeological process at one of the most sacred sites on the property and how this working relationship has changed the trajectory of our department.

Connecting Virginians to the Past

The Archaeological Society of Virginia helps people across the Commonwealth discover, understand, and protect the stories buried in the landscape around them. Through education, public programs, chapter activities, and preservation advocacy, the society connects professional archaeologists, avocational researchers, students, and local communities with Virginia’s rich archaeological heritage.

Archaeology is not only about artifacts. It is about learning how people lived, worked, traveled, traded, and built communities over time. From Indigenous sites and colonial settlements to Civil War landscapes and everyday historic places, Virginia’s past offers valuable insight into the people and events that shaped the state we know today.

What the Society Offers

• Educational resources for members and the public
• Archaeological events, lectures, and field opportunities
• Updates from local chapters across Virginia
• Advocacy for preservation of archaeological resources
• A welcoming community for people interested in Virginia history

Whether you are new to archaeology or have years of experience, the society provides meaningful ways to stay involved. Members can learn from experts, attend events, connect with local chapters, and support efforts that preserve important sites for future generations.

Why Preservation Needs Public Support

Archaeological preservation protects more than objects. It protects evidence, context, and the shared stories that help communities understand where they come from.

Many archaeological resources are fragile and nonrenewable. Once a site is disturbed without documentation, important information can be lost forever. Public awareness, responsible stewardship, and community participation all play a role in protecting Virginia’s cultural resources.

By supporting archaeology education and preservation, the Archaeological Society of Virginia helps ensure that these places remain part of the public record. That work benefits researchers, educators, local communities, and anyone who values a deeper understanding of Virginia’s history.

Get Involved Across Virginia

One of the best ways to engage with the society is through its events and local chapters. These connections make it easier to learn about archaeology in your region, meet others with similar interests, and participate in programs that bring history to life.

If you are interested in archaeology, preservation, and public education, now is a great time to get involved. Explore upcoming events, follow chapter news, and discover how the Archaeological Society of Virginia is helping preserve the Commonwealth’s past for the future.