It sure doesn’t feel like it but, three weeks have gone by since starting my internship. I have been enjoying my time at both the American Anthropological Association (AAA) as well as the Underwater Archaeology Branch of the Naval History & Heritage Command (NHHC). Katie and I have been working on a couple projects at the AAA office. One of which is introducing the first annual celebration of National Anthropology Day. We have been brainstorming ideas and coming up with drafts of materials to send to colleges, universities, museums, and other partners to hand out during National Anthropology Day . This will aid in disseminating information about the field of anthropology to others. We are also developing a virtual student poster presentation that will accompany National Anthropology Day activities. The virtual poster presentation will allow students/clubs in all fields of Anthropology to present posters online about their current research or anthropological issues. By presenting online it allows for students/clubs to reach a wide range of anthropologists and other interested parties. Another benefit is that there is not cost for travel or printing.
While working at the NHHC I have been working on cleaning and preserving two artifacts. These artifacts came from the USS Tulip. USS Tulip was a steam-crew gun boat that, unfortunately, had a steam engine that exploded causing it to sink on November 11, 1864. The artifacts that I have been working with are what seem to be brass flash pans that possibly came from an M 1835/40 Pomeroy or Springfield percussion rifle. I have also continued working with equipment that is used during an underwater archaeological survey. I am enjoying being able to work on a variety of projects at the NHHC. It is allowing me to further understand the process of conducting an archaeological survey underwater and the processes that occur after the survey.
During my free time I have continued to enjoy the sights around the D.C. area, and this past weekend I was able to meet my uncle and cousin for the first time. While I was there my cousin took me out on his boat to go crabbing. It was a great experience and we actually caught a few crabs. When we came back to shore he cooked them up and had a great dinner. I am looking forward to meeting up with them again while I am here.
I would like to thank the donors once again for this opportunity and great experience.
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Filed under: Association Business, Career/Funding/Awards, Commentary
