Headwaters Chapter
The James / Roanoke /New River Headwaters Chapter (AKA Headwaters Chapter) is located in the foothills, Blue Ridge, and Ridge and Valley of Virginia with a focus on middle and upper drainages of the three major river systems. The chapter welcomes all individuals with an interest in the archaeology and cultural history of the region and beyond. Presentations and studies will include the creole of cultures which make the area and Virginia unique being a blend of Native American, African, and European.
Officers: President – Dean Ferguson
Vice President – Martha Mihich
Treasurer – Mike Madden
Secretary – Mike Barber
Museum Liaison – Kay McCarron
Tribal Liaison – Vicky Ferguson
Meeting Date: Second Tuesday of the Month 7:00 pm
Meeting Place: Salem Museum & Historical Society
801 Main Street, Salem VA 24153
Contact: Mike Barber (Secretary) archaeova@gmail.com
Chapter Purposes
The purposes of the chapter shall be:
- To support the policies and goals of the Archeological Society of Virginia as set forth in Article III of the Archeological Society of Virginia’s constitution, and in all matters act in harmony with the principles and procedures of the Society and its constitution.
- To promote the study of archeology and anthropology, especially but not limited to, the Native American and historic periods of Virginia.
- To work for the proper conservation and exploration of archeological sites and materials.
- To encourage the scientific study of archeological sites and materials and to discourage careless, misdirected or commercial collecting of artifacts.
- To promote the spread of archeological knowledge through the media of publications, meetings, lectures, exhibits, etc. based on demonstrated scientific data.
Recent Projects
The Headwaters Chapter joined the Salem Museum & Historical Society, the Monacan Nation, the Virginia Natural History Museum, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources in supporting an exhibit at SM&HS on the Native American Contact Village of Totera Town which is located on the Roanoke River within the City of Salem. As part of exhibit format was the Totera Town Symposium, a Saturday event with exhibit visitation and paper presentations. Four papers were presented including the topics of Native American Culture, Totera Town ethnozoology and the deerskin trade, Native American village reconstruction, and Late Woodland aquatic utilization systems. The symposium proved a success with 90 attendees. Special thanks go to Kay McCarron for exhibit design and installation and SM&HS leadership Garrett Channell and Hunter Haskins for museum support.
Future Projects
- Chapter Public Lectures / Teaching Trunks (ARKS) – upgrade, statewide
- East Hill Cemetery mapping – tie to AA cemetery lecture
- Native American Archaeology Beyond the Blue Ridge pub – upgrade 1980 volume
- ASV Annual Meeting – Headwaters Session – Virginia’s archeology near and Beyond the Blue Ridge
