Zooarchaeology—the analysis of animal remains from archaeological contexts—provides critical information about past human lifeways. Not only does it provide information on human diet and human-animal interactions, but the analysis of animal bones can also provide insight into site formation processes, human landscape use, past environmental conditions, human technology, and ritual behavior. Traditional zooarchaeological analysis involves the use of physical comparative collections to identify remains. While this remains an integral part of the field, this workshop will introduce participants to digital resources and innovative methods that are expanding the reach of the discipline and opening new avenues for research. We will pay particular attention to Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (or ZooMS), which not only has tremendous potential for the identification of otherwise non-diagnostic bone fragments, but can also be used to analyze artifacts produced using animal products (bone, leather, etc.).

Jamie L. Clark is an associate professor at George Mason University. Her research focuses on human-environmental interactions during the Later Pleistocene (~125,000-10,000 years ago). Dr. Clark’s work is driven by a desire to understand the factors that account for the success and spread of our species relative to the Neanderthals and other archaic human groups. She approaches this through the lens of zooarchaeology—the study of animal remains from archaeological sites. She earned a BA in African and Middle Eastern History from Northwestern University and an MA and PhD in Anthropology (Archaeology) from the University of Michigan. Prior to arriving at GMU in 2020, Dr. Clark was a faculty member at University of Alaska Fairbanks.

As part of Archaeology in the Community’s Brush Up series of workshops, participants will receive:

• a certificate of completion
• expert instruction and Q&A
• a copy of the presentation slides
• a link to the recording of the session
• a document of resources and key points
• a short quiz to test understanding

Brush Up workshops are organized by Archaeology in the Community and sponsored by the Society of Black Archaeologists.

Publishing is one of the primary ways archaeologists share knowledge, build careers, and shape public understanding of the past. Yet the publishing landscape can feel opaque, fragmented, and difficult to navigate—especially beyond traditional academic journals. In this one-hour virtual workshop, participants will receive a high-level overview of the major publishing pathways available to archaeologists today, from peer-reviewed journals and academic books to trade press titles, popular essays, and opinion pieces. The workshop will focus on how these different outlets serve distinct audiences and purposes, what editors and publishers tend to look for, and how to think strategically about matching ideas to venues. Rather than offering a how-to manual, this session aims to demystify the publishing ecosystem and help participants make informed, intentional choices about where—and why—to publish their work.

Chip Colwell is the Program Director for Public Anthropology at the Wenner-Gren Foundation. He co-founded and served as Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Director of SAPIENS Magazine from 2015–2025, and was the Senior Curator of Anthropology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science from 2007–2020. His writings have appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, The Atlantic, Foreign Affairs, and he has been widely interviewed for radio, podcasts, and TV. He also has also published more than 70 academic articles and chapters and is the author and editor of 13 books including Plundered Skulls and Stolen Spirits: Inside the Fight to Reclaim Native America’s Culture, which received six book awards. His most recent volume is So Much Stuff: How Humans Discovered Tools, Invented Meaning, and Made More of Everything by the University of Chicago Press, and is being translated into five languages.

As part of Archaeology in the Community’s Brush Up series of workshops, participants will receive:

• a certificate of completion
• expert instruction and Q&A
• a copy of the presentation slides
• a link to the recording of the session
• a document of resources and key points
• a short quiz to test understanding

Brush Up workshops are organized by Archaeology in the Community and sponsored by the Society of Black Archaeologists.

This introductory, hands-on workshop offers participants a foundational overview of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) through the use of QGIS, a widely adopted open-source mapping platform. Designed for individuals with no prior GIS experience, the workshop guides participants through the essential steps of creating a digital map from the ground up. By the conclusion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Define GIS and describe the capabilities of QGIS
• Import and visualize spatial datasets
• Apply basic symbology to points, lines, and polygons for effective map communication
• Integrate cartographic elements such as labels, legends, and scale bars
• Export completed maps in image or PDF format for presentation or publication

This session is ideal for students, researchers, planners, and professionals from a variety of disciplines who are interested in developing practical skills in spatial data analysis and cartographic visualization.

Links and instructions for installing QGIS will be sent out in advance. Participants are encouraged to use a mouse to facilitate smoother map navigation and use a PC rather than a Mac if possible. Attendees can use a second screen or device to watch the instructor while using QGIS at the same time, but it is not required.

Jared Koller is a Website and Database Developer for ASOR (American Society of Overseas Research) Cultural Heritage Initiatives. Mr. Koller has conducted research in Bir Madkhur, Jordan, and throughout SE Asia, where he utilizes new media tools to conduct experimental investigations in landscape and environmental change over time. Mr. Koller holds an MA in History and New Media from George Mason University (2010) and a BA in Anthropology-Archaeology from the University of New Mexico (2005).

As part of Archaeology in the Community’s Brush Up series of workshops, participants will receive:

• a certificate of completion
• expert instruction and Q&A
• a copy of the presentation slides
• a link to the recording of the session
• a document of resources and key points
• a short quiz to test understanding

Brush Up workshops are organized by Archaeology in the Community and sponsored by the Society of Black Archaeologists.

A well-thought through design is the best way to communicate ideas. Archaeologists communicate information through graphics, websites, maps, charts, presentation slides, handouts, and more. In this one-hour virtual workshop, participants will learn about the basics of design principles, what to consider when creating accessible graphics for the public, and free resources to save time and funding. Not everyone feels creative or artistic, and that’s not a problem. Anyone can follow simple tips for good visual communication.

Beth Pruitt is a community-focused archaeologist. She has an enthusiasm for communicating about local history and cultivating scientific curiosity. For over 10 years, Dr. Pruitt has engaged with the public by working with students, educators, descendant communities, museums, libraries, and other nonprofits and institutions. She is currently the Director of Education at Archaeology in the Community, and she has needed to use design in every archaeological job she has held.​

As part of Archaeology in the Community’s Brush Up series of workshops, participants will receive:

• a certificate of completion
• expert instruction and Q&A
• a copy of the presentation slides
• a link to the recording of the session
• a document of resources and key points
• a short quiz to test understanding

Brush Up workshops are organized by Archaeology in the Community and sponsored by the Society of Black Archaeologists.

Archaeology uncovers the stories of past civilizations through the study of the evidence they left behind. Laws and ethical guidelines play a crucial role in preserving these narratives, ensuring that the knowledge within archaeological collections is safeguarded. This workshop is designed to highlight the significance of archaeological provenience and traditional knowledge in interpreting the past. Participants will explore key topics, including the stewardship of archaeological collections, the legal and ethical considerations surrounding them, the importance of thorough documentation, and the value of incorporating the voices of descendant communities in understanding cultural heritage. These collections serve as a vital, tangible link to history, fostering a deeper public appreciation for descendant communities and their ancestors through responsible care and storytelling.

Angela Neller is a Kanaka ‘Oiwi scholar with 30 years of experience managing cultural collections. She holds a Master of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Illinois. She is currently Curator for the Wanapum Heritage Center, where she oversees archaeological, ethnographic, and archival collections affiliated with the Wanapum Band of Priest Rapids. She provides repatriation support to the Wanapum working closely with the tribes of the Columbia Plateau. Her publications address curation, repatriation, and the value of curated professional and amateur archaeological collections for regional research. As adjunct faculty for Central Washington University, she teaches museum curation and management and hopes to instill in her students the importance of including descendant communities in their work.

As part of Archaeology in the Community’s Brush Up series of workshops, participants will receive:

• a certificate of completion
• expert instruction and Q&A
• a copy of the presentation slides
• a link to the recording of the session
• a document of resources and key points
• a short quiz to test understanding

Brush Up workshops are organized by Archaeology in the Community and sponsored by the Society of Black Archaeologists.

Struggling to make archaeology more than just a “fun activity” in the classroom? Led by veteran educators (who moonlight as passionate avocational archaeologists), this virtual workshop will show you how to align archaeology lessons with national and state grade level standards, fostering archaeological stewardship in students. You’ll learn to navigate the complexities of current education systems, including limitations created by school safety, standardized testing, and technology distractions. We’ll delve into the intricacies of state and national standards, helping you understand how to effectively incorporate archaeology into your curriculum. Discover strategies to seamlessly integrate archaeology into existing curriculums and take away teaching methods adaptable to various contexts and archaeological teachings. This session will empower you with the skills and knowledge to make fun and impactful lessons aligned with educational standards.

Julia Berg and Sarah Mason are former classroom teachers, amateur archaeologists, and co-founders of Digging Deeper, LLC, an educational consulting company. With more than 25 years of combined classroom experience, Julia and Sarah are leaders in Social Studies education. They have developed curriculum for both elementary and middle school grades, and specialize in training educators to navigate difficult historical conversations in the classroom.

As part of Archaeology in the Community’s Brush Up series of workshops, participants will receive:

• a certificate of completion
• expert instruction and Q&A
• a copy of the presentation slides
• a link to the recording of the session
• a document of resources and key points
• a short quiz to test understanding

Brush Up workshops are organized by Archaeology in the Community and sponsored by the Society of Black Archaeologists.

Queer archaeology has its roots in the quest for and identification of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in the past.* Incorporating queer theoretical advances and approaches from other disciplines, queer archaeology has expanded in scope and now serves as a powerful tool to help understand the past. In this workshop, we will use a place-based approach to tracing the development of queer archaeology and how archaeologists are now using it to develop more nuanced interpretations.

*A discussion of the challenges of looking for LGBTQ+ people in the past was covered in a previous Brush Up Workshop, “The Relevance of LGBTQ+ Historical Archaeology” on December 4, 2024.

Dr. Megan Springate (she/they) is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Maryland. She received her PhD in Anthropology (2017) from the University of Maryland. Dr. Springate began her career in archaeology at a public archaeology field school outside of Toronto, Canada in 1987, where she earned a Senior Social Science high school credit and fell in love with the field. Since then, she has worked in academia, government, museums, the private sector, and non-profits in archaeology or archaeology-adjacent fields. Dr. Springate is the author of Coffin Hardware in Nineteenth Century America (2014), editor of LGBTQ America: A Theme Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer History (National Park Service, 2016), and has published several articles. In 2021, she received the John L. Cotter Award from the Society for Historical Archaeology.

As part of Archaeology in the Community’s Brush Up series of workshops, participants will receive:

• a certificate of completion
• expert instruction and Q&A
• a copy of the presentation slides
• a link to the recording of the session
• a document of resources and key points
• a short quiz to test understanding

Brush Up workshops are organized by Archaeology in the Community and sponsored by the Society of Black Archaeologists.

This workshop is designed to help people interested in using small grants to advance archaeological research, build community programs, or begin a pilot project. The workshop will cover strategies to find small grants, how to interpret calls for submission, and considerations for how to address questions on grant applications. This will include a brief review of putting together a budget and some of the unforeseen expenses that grant-writers should consider during that process. These small grant opportunities are particularly useful for community organizations and graduate student researchers looking to get a project off the ground, take current projects to the next level, or to provide a proof-of-concept before pursuing large funding opportunities from government agencies or philanthropic organizations.​

Stefan Woehlke is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Historic Preservation Program at the University of Maryland. His work focuses on community heritage empowerment by centering descendant communities in heritage projects. He is trained as a historical archaeologist that focuses on Cultural Landscape analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). He also works as a digital preservationist focusing on the 3-D documentation of historic structures, memorials, archaeological excavations, and landscapes. In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Woehlke is the co-founder of Blue Fern Travel, a food and historical tour business in Washington, DC, and co-owner and Chief Curation Officer at Far Horizons Archaeological and Cultural Trips.

As part of Archaeology in the Community’s Brush Up series of workshops, participants will receive:

• a certificate of completion
• expert instruction and Q&A
• a copy of the presentation slides
• a link to the recording of the session
• a document of resources and key points
• a short quiz to test understanding

Brush Up workshops are organized by Archaeology in the Community and sponsored by the Society of Black Archaeologists.

Genealogy is the study of family lineage. Understanding who you are and where your people came from can be transformative, because it enhances resiliency and strengthens identity. When you know who you are, you show up differently in the world. You navigate life with greater confidence. Studies have shown that people who know their family history are more successful overall–in any field. This one-hour virtual workshop introduces genealogy basics to participants and explores the connection between genealogy and archaeology. Participants will examine case studies where each discipline informed the other. Understanding the tools available for genealogical research is useful for archaeologists and those interested in delving into their own family histories.

Gigi Nelson is an accomplished speaker, genealogist, and historian. Born in Los Angeles and raised in an Army family, she spent her school years living all over the country and overseas. She holds both a BA (Columbus State University) and a Master’s degree (University of Alabama) in American History, and taught college-level history courses and other related subjects. After ten years of teaching, she switched careers and became a military historian with the U.S. Air Force and completed two deployments downrange as a combat historian. In 2017, she finally settled down in Washington, DC, where she switched careers again and began to pursue  her passion for genealogy.

That passion led her to create the Majani Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit genealogy club for Black youth. When she realized there were no books specifically introducing Black young adults to genealogy, she wrote and published one herself. For the Culture: A Genealogy Handbook for the Cool Kids is a labor of love with lots of pictures and activities to get youth started on their genealogical journey of connecting to their ancestors and finding strength, resilience, and self-identity in their Black heritage.

As part of Archaeology in the Community’s Brush Up series of workshops, participants will receive:

• a certificate of completion
• expert instruction and Q&A
• a copy of the presentation slides
• a link to the recording of the session
• a document of resources and key points
• a short quiz to test understanding

Brush Up workshops are organized by Archaeology in the Community and sponsored by the Society of Black Archaeologists.

Finding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other gender and sexual minority (LGBTQ+) people in the historic past is both important and challenging. By bringing suppressed histories to light, a more complete picture of the past is possible. One of the challenges is that definitions and understandings of what we now call LGBTQ+ identities vary culturally and over time–even over the past generation. By considering this challenge as an opportunity, the potential and relevance of studying LGBTQ+ pasts expands. Beyond individual identities and behaviors (who was in a relationship with who, who identified as transgender, etc.), investigations of LGBTQ+ pasts speak to some of the broad, field-defining themes in historical archaeology. Using place-based examples, in this one-hour virtual workshop we will explore those connections to community studies; social organization; identity formation, expression, and change; marginalization; and oppression and resistance.

Dr. Megan Springate (she/they) is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Maryland. She received her PhD in Anthropology (2017) from the University of Maryland. Dr. Springate began her career in archaeology at a public archaeology field school outside of Toronto, Canada in 1987, where she earned a Senior Social Science high school credit and fell in love with the field. Since then, she has worked in academia, government, museums, the private sector, and non-profits in archaeology or archaeology-adjacent fields. Dr. Springate is the author of Coffin Hardware in Nineteenth Century America (2014), editor of LGBTQ America: A Theme Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer History (National Park Service, 2016), and has published several articles. In 2021, she received the John L. Cotter Award from the Society for Historical Archaeology.

As part of Archaeology in the Community’s Brush Up series of workshops, participants will receive:

• a certificate of completion
• expert instruction and Q&A
• a copy of the presentation slides
• a link to the recording of the session
• a document of resources and key points
• a short quiz to test understanding

Brush Up workshops are organized by Archaeology in the Community and sponsored by the Society of Black Archaeologists.

In this one-hour virtual workshop with a focus on anti-bias, participants will gain a better understanding of disability, ableism, and the meaning of accessibility in the field of archaeology. Have you ever stopped to think about how something as simple as adding a curb cut to the sidewalk has benefitted you at one point or another in your life? Consider your elderly parents or grandparents using mobility devices or parents and guardians pushing their children in strollers. The curb cut design has and continues to benefit everyone, not just people with disabilities. The reality is that at some point in life, almost everyone will temporarily or permanently experience disability. Why not begin to replicate the curb cut effect in archaeology now to prepare ourselves and future generations?

Dr. Mia Carey is the founder of Unearthing Our Past Consulting, LLC. She is a historical archaeologist, facilitator, and consultant. She works with organizations for collaborative and transformational leadership experience guidance and to support diversity, inclusion, equity, belonging, and mattering (DEIB&M) best practices for organizational change. Dr. Carey has 10+ years experience working in state and federal government sectors and 7+ years experience in training and workforce engagement, 504 compliance, and accessibility. Her archaeological research interests include 19th-century African American life and culture; critical race theory; Islam in the Black Experience; and zooarchaeology.

As part of Archaeology in the Community’s Brush Up series of workshops, participants will receive:

• a certificate of completion
• expert instruction and Q&A
• a copy of the presentation slides
• a link to the recording of the session
• a document of resources and key points
• a short quiz to test understanding

Brush Up workshops are organized by Archaeology in the Community and sponsored by the Society of Black Archaeologists.

The future of archaeology lies in the generations to come. Educating children about archaeology and its impacts gives them a fuller understanding of how our histories are created. Archaeology in the Community is an organization developed to educate youth about the fundamentals of archaeological methods with the goal of promoting the development of archaeological literate citizens. These are citizens who understand basic archaeological terminology and process, who understand their place in local history, and who have a general understanding of the importance of preserving heritage—including their own.

This one-hour virtual workshop will discuss the fundamentals of teaching archaeology to K-12 students. Participants will learn how to communicate with different age groups, understand youth culture, develop lessons that are representative of the student population, and—most importantly—how to balance activities so that they are fun and engaging!

Dr. Alexandra Jones is an education leader focused on community outreach and service. Dr. Jones has been an educator for more than 16 years; she has taught in multiple educational environments from primary schools to museums. She obtained dual Bachelors of Arts degrees from Howard University in History and Anthropology in 2001.  She obtained  a Master’s degree in History from Howard University in 2003 and then attended University of California, Berkeley to obtain a PhD in Historical Archaeology in 2010. Dr. Jones worked for PBS’s television show Time Team America as the Archaeology Field School Director, where she directed field schools for junior high and high school students at each of the sites for the 2013 season. Dr. Jones is the President of the Society of Black Archaeologists and on the Board of Directors of the St. Croix Archaeological Society. She was appointed by President Biden to become the current Chair of the Cultural Property Advisory Committee.

As part of Archaeology in the Community’s Brush Up series of workshops, participants will receive:

• a certificate of completion
• expert instruction and Q&A
• a copy of the presentation slides
• a link to the recording of the session
• a document of resources and key points
• a short quiz to test understanding

Brush Up workshops are organized by Archaeology in the Community and sponsored by the Society of Black Archaeologists.