Critical consideration of the interrelationships between ecologies and ephemeral architectures sets the stage for the theme of the third conference, "Imperialism" (April 14-15, 2023), which will address ephemeral architecture and its the imperial transformations in the Caribbean and South America and the larger early modern Atlantic world. Participating scholars in this conference will use studies of ephemeral architecture, especially thatched roofs, to focus attention on processes of imperialism (and other power dynamics) and it impact on landscape transformation relating to Indigenous and Black Americans.  In particular, this conference will highlight the complex ways in which authorities impacted, transformed, and were transformed by, long standing ecological practices and ephemeral architectural knowledge. In doing so, the conference underscores the vital role of ephemeral architecture, such as thatched roofs, in telling histories, even that of global empires, and thus is a reminder of the critical need for the study and preservation of this “Forgotten Canopy.”(April 14-15, 2023)

Conference series hosted by the UCLA Center for 17th and 18th Century Studies and the William Andrew Clark Memorial Library and is co-organized by Stella Nair (UCLA) and Paul Niell (Florida State University)

Submitted by Paul Niell

The Department of Historic Preservation at the University of Mary Washington (UMW) in Fredericksburg, VA invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track assistant professor position in historical archaeology beginning August 2023. UMW is a public liberal arts and sciences university dedicated to effective teaching and the integration of undergraduate students in research. Recently recognized as a “Great College to Work For” by the Chronicle of Higher Education, UMW is centrally located between Washington, DC, and Richmond, VA, in an area with numerous cultural resources and historic-preservation organizations offering opportunities for collaborative research and student internships.  

Our undergraduate program, one of the few in the nation, approaches the theories and methods of historic preservation from an interdisciplinary perspective with emphasis on teaching and service. A small, close-knit team of enthusiastic faculty with expertise in archaeology, architectural history, building science, museum studies, and urban planning teach lower-level introductory courses in these disciplines as well as a wide range of upper-level courses with a significant community-engagement and service-learning component. Our small classes, extensive one-on-one mentoring, and practice-driven, inclusive curriculum draw both in-state and out-of-state students of all identities, abilities, and differences. With its numerous historic sites and buildings, cultural landscapes, museums and heritage organizations, the larger Fredericksburg area serves as a laboratory that engages students and faculty.   

Responsibilities:  

This position involves teaching courses in archaeology, including an introduction to the discipline, field and laboratory methods, as well as artifact analysis and interpretation, in addition to the introductory course in historic preservation and other courses that align with the successful candidate’s expertise and research interests. This position requires management of the departmental archaeology lab as well as service to the university and the community. Faculty are also expected to engage in scholarly and professional development.   

Required Qualifications:  

A PhD in Anthropology, Archaeology or another relevant field is required. ABD applicants will be considered but the PhD must be awarded within one year of employment. Applicants should also demonstrate experience in teaching archaeology, including methods and theory, with a focus on the United States; professional experience in archaeology, including field and lab work; and experience in community engagement. Successful applicants will demonstrate an enthusiasm for teaching at the undergraduate level and dedication to high-impact learning in an inclusive environment that embraces diverse talents and backgrounds.   

Preferred Qualifications:  

Expertise in cultural resource management and historic preservation; knowledge of architecture; GIS skills; familiarity with current, relevant technologies; experience in archaeology lab management and conducting archaeological research with university students; ability to work with diverse groups and individuals will be considered an asset.   

 

Applications:  

Applications must be submitted through https://careers.umw.edu/. Candidates must submit  

·         a curriculum vitae 

·         a cover letter addressing experience in teaching, professional work (both field and lab work), and community engagement as well as research interests; if ABD, the anticipated defense date 

·         unofficial transcripts 

·         contact information for three references. 

 Application deadline: March 27, 2023 

The University of Mary Washington is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to these principles.  

Submitted by Christine Henry

Two free places for students are available for the Annual Conference of the Association for Gravestone Studies at the University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, USA from June 16th to 20th 2023.  They are open to students at any university worldwide, postgraduate or undergraduate, and include the conference fee, all food and accommodation and some travel expenses. The conference is a mix of academic papers, site visits and preservation demonstrations. Attendees study grave markers, monuments, tombs, and cemeteries of all types and encompassing all historical periods and geographical regions, and are principally scholars in anthropology, historical archaeology, art and architectural history, ethnic studies, material culture studies, American studies, folklore and popular culture studies, linguistics, literature, rhetoric, local and regional history, cultural geography, sociology, and related fields.

To apply, please go to https://www.gravestonestudies.org/awards-fund-and-scholarships/scholarships

Submitted by Jonathan Kewley

The Routledge Companion to the American Landscape , Edited by Chris W. Post, Alyson L. Greiner and Geoffrey L. Buckley

The Routledge Companion to the American Landscape provides a comprehensive overview of the American landscape in a way fit for the twenty-first century, not only in its topical and regional scope but also in its methodological and disciplinary diversity. An invaluable and up-to-date guide for scholars and graduate students to current thinking across the range of disciplines which converge in the study of place, including Geography, Cultural Studies, History as well as the interdisciplinary fields of American Studies, Environmental Studies, and Planning. Click here for a discount code.

Submitted by Richard H. Schein