News Release| Governor's Historic Preservation Award; Cal State L.A.

December 28, 2011

Field school program recognized for preserving the history of San Nicolas Island

Cal State L.A. and the U.S. Navy receive Governor’s Award for San Nicolas Island Archaeological Field School Program

Los Angeles, CA – For the collaborative San Nicolas Island Archaeological Field School Program, California State University, Los Angeles and the United Stated Navy were recently honored with the 2011 Governor’s Historic Preservation Award by the California State Parks and the State Office of Historic Preservation (OHP).

The field school was one of 11 preservation projects in California honored during the awards ceremony held at the Leland Stanford Museum in Sacramento.

During the ceremony, the OHP credited CSULA and the Navy for the positive impacts the program has had on Californians, in particular students from CSULA and other colleges and universities that directly benefit from this unique and rewarding experience.

The presenter noted: “This collaboration has significantly contributed to the preservation of California’s heritage by facilitating long-term archaeological investigations intent on speaking for those who no longer have a voice.”

The field school, offered in the summer through the Department of Anthropology at CSULA, is sponsored by the U.S. Navy as part of its cultural resource management program. The program provides numerous opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students at CSULA to address anthropological questions regarding California history and prehistory, and to test models regarding island and coastal adaptations that are applicable throughout the Pacific Ocean.

René Vellanoweth, chair of the University’s Department of Anthropology, said, “We are delighted to have received this state honor, which acknowledges our contribution to California history and archaeology. Students participating in the field school receive training in archaeological excavation, laboratory analysis, computerized cataloging, and archaeological survey and mapping.”

Established in 1986, the Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards are presented annually to individuals, organizations, companies, and public agencies whose contributions demonstrate notable achievements in preserving the heritage of California.

The purpose of the awards is to recognize meaningful achievements in historic preservation through increased public awareness, appreciation, and support for historic preservation throughout the state.

For more about the Governor’s Award: http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24513.

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