By George Slaughter
Project historian Michael Moore talks with TASN workshop attendees in front of the large digital mural of the historic town of San Felipe de Austin. This exhibit piece is among the most popular with visitors to the new museum – photo courtesy Texas Historical Commission
Like professionals in other fields, archeologists attend networking events to meet their peers and attend professional training sessions.
Members of the Texas Archeological Stewardship Network (TASN) did those things near Katy earlier this month when almost 100 members visited the new San Felipe de Austin Museum.
The Texas Historical Commission holds an annual meeting of these avocationals who serve as points of contact and provide evaluation on archeological issues that occur in their respective counties. Besides the programs and meetings, the commission hosted an annual awards luncheon acknowledging standouts among the archeology volunteers based on contributed hours and other preservation criteria.
The Houston, Fort Bend and Brazosport Archeological Societies were well-represented. Several local members received awards for their work over the past year.
“We look for unique opportunities and settings to hold the annual TASN workshop,” Pat Mercado-Allinger, THC archeology division director and state archeologist, said. “Archeological investigations have and will continue to play an integral part in understanding San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site so we felt that it would be fitting to bring members of the TASN to experience the new museum.”
The weekend’s activities kicked off with an after-hours reception on Friday night and continued through day-long sessions on Saturday. Attendees toured the museum and received briefings on recent findings at the San Felipe de Austin site and future plans.
Houston Archeological Society officer and TASN workshop attendee Bob Sewell (center) receives an award for service from THC State Archeologist Pat Mercado-Allinger and THC Regional Archeologist Jeff Durst – photo courtesy Texas Historical Commission
The museum in October will host active excavations as well as a variety of weekend archeology-themed programs to celebrate Texas Archeology Month.
Many attendees have previously volunteered their time to assist with excavations at the historic site, but for some it was a unique opportunity to catch up with happenings at one of the state’s most significant archeological sites. The historic town of San Felipe de Austin was burned to the ground by its evacuating residents during the Texas Revolution in March of 1836 as part of the Runaway Scrape. Much of the knowledge that informs the exhibits in the new museum comes from extensive archival research and ongoing archeological excavations.
The event served as an introduction for many attendees to Dr. Sarah Chesney, the staff archeologist at San Felipe de Austin SHS. She joined the project in January.
“Sarah is a tremendous addition to our staff and will be helping us think through the very important research questions that we face in trying to learn more about this important Texas history site,” Bryan McAuley, San Felipe de Austin site manger, said. “A native Texan, her academic studies have allowed her to explore important historical archeological sites around the country that have served as planning guide markers for this project – places like Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestowne, and Historic St. Mary’s City (Maryland).”
Becky Shelton, a network coordinator and regional archeologist, said many of the museum stewards have been commission volunteers for 10-20 years.
Dr. Sarah Chesney, San Felipe de Austin staff archeologist – photo courtesy Texas Historical Commission
“By holding the TASN annual workshop at San Felipe de Austin, it allowed stewards to see the result of their tireless contributions with the completion of the museum and visitors center,” Shelton said.
The museum opened in April. Its web site is visitsanfelipedeaustin.com.