Hi All,
Thanks to those who joined us during our first official business meeting as a new network! Since it was in-person during the AIC annual meeting it is understandable that many could not attend. I wanted to give a brief overview of what was covered during the meeting. The meeting was only 30 minutes as it was scheduled before our joint session with OSG. We were joined by Samatha Springer, our board liaison, who provided an update about her work with networks and the upcoming changes to the membership, and the dissolution of the MDW group.
We then went over our charge and the plans for the network which include:
-Gina and I will stay on as chair and vice chair for the next 2-3 years. Gina will step down in 2024 and I will step in as Chair until 2025.
-Plan to hold regular meetings throughout the year, not just at AIC
-We will not charge a fee for the next year for new members
-When we implement charging fees, we will need input from our members on how best to use them
-One way we plan on using funds is for emerging conservators to attend/present at archaeological conferences
-The FAIC/NEH grant on block-lifting is still being planned and Gina is working on finding a location
-We wrapped up by mentioning there will be a call for officers shortly (n.b. There will be an official call within the next day or two on this forum!)
Current AHN officers:
Chair: Gina Watkinson
Vice Chair: Skyler Jenkins
Secretary/Treasurer: Empty
Communications Officer: Empty
Program Chair: Empty
Network Officer: Empty
Editor (Wiki and Online): Empty
AIC Board of Directors Liaison: Samantha Springer
AIC Staff Liaison: Ruth Seyler
ECPN Liaison: Karou Yui
Once we secure more officers, we will create a higher logic community for more streamlined communication. Officer positions run for two years.
I have attached the pdf of the charge that was accepted by the board that lays out our goals and provides more details but will also insert the text into this message for ease of reading, especially if you read these digests on your phone.
AHN accepted charge:
AIC ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE NETWORK CHARGE
Purpose
The Archaeological Heritage Network (AHN) is devoted to safeguarding world archaeological heritage and the evidence it preserves of our human past. Our mission is to promote communication between conservators and allied professionals and to represent the interests of the archaeological conservation profession.
Its purpose is to
● Advocate for professional ethics, practices, and standards in the conservation of archaeological materials and sites.
● Promote communication between archaeological conservators within AIC.
● Facilitate interdisciplinary relationships and communication between AIC and the archaeological profession.
● Provide an archaeological perspective toward AIC objectives.
AHN is a Division of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) and is therefore bound by the Bylaws of the AIC and policies set by the AIC Board of Directors. Any revisions to the AHN Charge requires written approval by the AIC Board of Directors.
Composition
The initial officers of AHN are appointed by the organizing committee, in staggered terms, and presented to the AIC Board of Directors for approval. Thereafter, candidates for open positions are prepared by AHN officers for approval by the AIC Board of Directors. All officers must be current members of AIC, in good standing. Officers include a chair, a vice chair, secretary/treasurer, communications officer, program and vice program chair, a network officer, and an editor (Wiki and online). Terms of office are two to three years with an option to serve a second term if other officers approve. Chair and vice chair positions are three year terms while the other officer positions will run for two year terms. The Board liaison to the AHN is the Board Director for Committees & Networks; the staff liaison is the Membership & Communications Director.
Standing Charge
● Build a network of professionals committed to the conservation of archeological heritage. The network will support current AIC members and work to encourage non-member conservators, allied professionals, and researchers to become AIC members.
● Create, promote, and develop archaeological conservation related programming at AIC's Annual Meetings.
● Hold an annual business meeting for members.
● Develop training opportunities, research projects, workshops, and publications.
● Organize and connect archaeological conservators within AIC through networking and exchange opportunities both in person and online.
● Develop web resources for archaeological conservators including the Archaeological Conservation pages on the AIC Wiki.
● Increase exposure through strengthening the network's presence on the AIC website, social media, and archaeological listservs.
● Facilitate professional connections between archaeological conservators and archaeological projects, as well as outreach to the archaeological community.
● Work with related conservation groups worldwide to promote the importance of archaeological conservation.
Let us know if you have any initial questions. If you have ideas but do not want to commit to being an officer please do not hesitate to reach out!!
Best,
Skyler
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Skyler Jenkins
Assistant Conservator, NEH Fellow in Objects Conservation
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Richmond VA
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