It is hard to believe the year is half over. I know the spring
has been a rough time for many of our Midwest members due to flooding.
The only good thing to come from this is that many artifacts have
been exposed that have remained hidden for centuries. Hopefully some
of these new finds will be shared in future issues of this Journal.
Have you ever thought of becoming an officer or show host? All of
the societies are run by dedicated volunteers, many which have served
for years. But it is good to have new blood taking a part in running
a society, and you can help shape the future of collecting in your
area. Case in point: For years the same group of volunteers ran the
Arkansas society. Instead of recruiting new officers, they just remained
in their positions. Over the years their interest and sometimes their
health faded. Sadly, their president passed away. But he had already
moved to Florida! Even after this event, the other officers failed
to act, resulting in the dead president’s name remaining in
the Journal for more than six months! As time went on, the remaining
officers did not even bother to pay their dues, and even stopped
supplying a list of members to Central States; the result being members
who paid did not receive this Journal. Luckily, at this point in
time, there is a statewide effort to recruit new officers and rebuild
what was once one of the premier archaeological societies. This same
thing can happen to any group. Recently Michigan found itself without
any officers, and its former members must now rely on the Indiana
society. So I urge you to consider stepping up and making a difference!
As you can see with Arkansas and Michigan, when no one steps up,
nothing happens.
This Journal has been lucky to have articles from several well-known
scholarly researchers as of late. David H. Dye, Kevin E. Smith and
Robert V. Sharp are all well known in the professional community.
We are lucky to have them contribute their fine essays to this publication.
I recently spoke with James R. Duncan, and he is planning to contribute
also. This professional acceptance of our publication is a big plus
for our credibility. Read these columns, for they will heighten your
collecting awareness and broaden your interests.
At the recent meeting of the delegates (Collinsville, March 16,
2019), many topics were discussed. One that affects everyone is a
slight dues increase. Next year, dues will increase to $26 (from
$24 currently). This will increase the amount that goes to publication
of this Journal to $18/member (the rest goes to your individual society).
While our organization is not under any dire financial pressure at
the moment, this increase will keep us healthy for many years to
come. The last increase was more than five years ago. Unfortunately
costs rise that are out of our control, such as postage. It is hard
to believe that when this publication started in 1954, the price
of a first class stamp was three cents. Postage has risen nearly
1800% since. Luckily other costs have not increased as much, or dues
would be $100 or more!
I plan on revisiting the archaeological travel series in the coming
years. I also have on file some very interesting early and rare publications
that I plan on including in future issues. Along with the exceptional
articles submitted by our membership this Journal should remain vibrant
and relevant for years to come.
Steven R. Cooper
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