Archeology in Arkansas and threats to historical preservation

March is observed as Arkansas Archeology Month. In this episode of Speaking of Arkansas, host Greg Harton speaks with Dr. Mel Zabecki, the state archeologist in Arkansas since 2021. She’s only the third person to hold that position since it was created in 1967. The interview covers how Zabecki went from archeological digs in Egypt to promotion of preservation in Arkansas. We discuss her views on threats to historical preservation arising from development, the harm posed by amateur treasure hunters scouring lands for souvenirs or private collections and the kind of people who might want to consider careers in archeology.

 

Additional links for information include:

 

• Arkansas Archeological Survey calendar of events — https://archeology.uark.edu/learn-discover/eventscalendar/

 

• Arkansas Archeological Society — https://www.arkarch.org/

 

• Read more about Arkansas Archeology Month here.

 

In the podcast, Zabecki mentions the archeological dig for the Arkansas Highway 112 project at Greathouse Springs. Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette columnist Fran Alexander wrote a column about the project in August 2023 at https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2023/aug/15/opinion-fran-alexander-arkansas-112-project/