Diana Greenlee

Archaeological sites serve as invaluable empirical records of the human past. Despite cultural resource legislation in the U.S., our heritage is rapidly deteriorating due to agricultural practices, commercial/industrial development, and looting. I believe that one effective way to slow this damage is through public outreach. An informed public caring about archaeology can play a significant role in protecting these sites. Poverty Point, for instance, was preserved because individuals in the local community recognized its significance and took steps to protect it. However, preservation is an ongoing process, and continual public engagement is critical to its success.

As the Station Archaeologist at the Poverty Point World Heritage Site, I conduct my research with two primary goals. Firstly, I aim to enhance our understanding of archaeological deposits to better manage and protect them. Beyond documenting the above-ground earthworks, I collaborate to apply minimally invasive, remote-sensing technologies to “see” underground features. These findings are then verified through soil coring and test excavation. Knowing both above and below ground conditions allows us to avoid accidental harm to subtle landscape features and identify and mitigate threats like erosion. Secondly, I strive to demonstrate to the public that we are continually learning about the exceptional indigenous cultural tradition that created this site. By bringing people along on my archaeological journey, I emphasize how new methods and technologies provide diverse information, enhancing our understanding of the past.