The Society for American Archaeology, a prominent association with around 7,000 members, recently held its annual conference, which typically showcases a strong federal presence. However, this year's event in Denver saw notable absenteeism from government archaeologists, attributed to unexpected travel funding withdrawals by multiple federal agencies. This abrupt change is believed to stem from the conference's focus on themes like diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.).
The cancellation of several planned department meetings related to critical issues such as climate change and cultural resource management signaled a worrying trend for American archaeology. One participant described the significantly altered program guide as a “two-page blood bath of federal disengagement,” highlighting a sense of despair within the community.
Recently, the overall support for archaeological research and the preservation of museums has considerably diminished. The impacts of these changes are severe, with job losses among cultural heritage staff and a considerable reduction in staffing across academic, private, and public sectors. Christopher D. Dore, president of the Society for American Archaeology, remarked that the overall financial losses and loss of opportunities are immense, particularly with the 250th anniversary of the United States approaching.
Dore expressed concerns that inadequate staffing would hinder effective management of federal lands, jeopardizing protections against looting, erosion, and other dangers. He emphasized that once archaeological resources are destroyed, they cannot be replenished, warning that once these irreplaceable sites are lost, the knowledge and history they hold vanish forever.
