“I knew by mid-morning on Friday (in the deluge) that this was going to be the Mid-Atlantic ALHFAM conference that all others will be measured against for the next ten years. Because everyone who attended is going to be talking about it for at least that long – maybe longer. And those who didn’t attend, will wish they had.
HSMC is a beautiful, amazing site with inspiring attention to detail (hmmm, that concept of applying academic rigor and review to interpretive/education collections – wish more sites would do that) and talented, dedicated, incredibly helpful and welcoming staff, supported by a strong administration who GETS IT. It’s the full package. Plus, it’s a mecca for archaeology – those lead coffins!!
And the St. John’s site exhibition! The food was excellent, thanks to the college catering program, and provided delicious and inventive non-meat options. We had a chance to brainstorm ideas for the “currently under revision” student Science tour (and drop things from a balcony to learn about mass and gravity); tour the ship Dove with the boatswain’s (bosun’s) mate; see archaeologists at work in the lab and visit with some of the most highly-regarded archeologists in the country; check out staff fleshing a deer hide and preparing it for brain-tanning; and take a thoroughly adults-only themed tour – with several highly entertaining, participatory elements – of the Godiah Spray Plantation. And that was just Friday.
The whole experience was wrapped in ALHFAM’s traditional collegiality and great networking, and served with well-presented, applicable sessions. Well done, and sincere thanks.
Carrie Fellows
Regional Co-Representative
Mid-Atlantic Region
ALHFAM 