Here’s the latest in our series of entertaining interviews with a diverse array of your fellow SHA members. Meet a member for the first time or learn something about a colleague that you never knew before. This blog series also offers current members an opportunity to share their thoughts on why SHA membership is important (Camaraderie? Professional service? Exchange of ideas in conference rooms and beyond? You tell us!). If you would like to be an interviewee, please email the Membership Committee Social Media Liaisons Eleanor Breen (eabreen@mountvernon.org) or Kim Pyszka (kmpyszka@aum.edu).
An Interview with Elizabeth Kelly Henning (bethkhenn05@gmail.com), a board member of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Michigan. She also co-manages research at the Center for Archaeological Research.
What do you think is the difference between an archaeologist and an anthropologist?
The two fields are both interdisciplinary studies of past human cultures. Archaeologists study material culture, from the remains of buildings to pottery and coins, while anthropologists pursue broader understandings of human life and culture.
What are some of the difficulties you face as a researcher?
Archaeology is one of the most interesting and complex fields of study. It is difficult, but also very rewarding. You have to be very patient as sometimes it can take years to unearth a site or find an artifact. There are also many difficulties that researchers face on their excavation projects. One of these difficulties is finding the site in the first place. Sites are often uncovered by chance so you might have to keep looking out there.
What do you believe is the most important thing to consider when excavating a site?
When it comes to excavating a site, it is crucial to consider what the cultural heritage of the site is. The cultural heritage of a site is often very important in terms of how the excavation will be carried out.
How would you go about excavating an archaeological site with preservation in mind?
To excavate an archaeological site with preservation in mind, it is important to be mindful of the type of soil in which you are working. Different soil types have different pH levels, and these need to be taken into consideration when planning your excavation methods. . Soil pH levels are measured on a scale of 1-14, with the lower numbers being acidic and the higher numbers alkaline. If you are working in an acidic soil, or soil that has a pH level below 6.0, then it is important to take measures to neutralize the acidity of the soil during excavation with lime or sodium bicarbonate.
Fieldwork or Labwork?
I'm fascinated by how physically and mentally demanding fieldwork is. I also enjoy being outside, and my fieldwork has led me to some beautiful locations. When it comes to labwork, I'm able to learn more about ancient human behavior by examining various material culture. They both appeal to me equally, yet I lean slightly toward fieldwork.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I've always been interested in history and the stories that come with it. Archaeologists are always surprised by the incredible things they find during excavation. I was lucky enough to visit an excavation site in New York when I was just a child and found something that changed my perspective on archaeology. I also loved learning about different cultures and how they lived. Consequently in high school, I took an archaeology class as an elective and I was hooked.
At what point in your career did you first join the SHA?
I joined SHA mid-2000's!
How many years have you been a member (approximately)?
That should be between the range of 9-11 years if my memory serves me right.
Which benefit of belonging to SHA do you find the most beneficial?
Although the publication is an essential source of knowledge transmission in our field, it is mostly read by other academics. Contrarily, the conference provides a fantastic opportunity for us to exchange knowledge and experience and learn from one another. It involves more than merely discussing theoretical studies. It's about cooperating with one another to resolve issues and increase the state of knowledge in our industry.