James P. Gallagher Award in Archaeology Excellence

A-1 Excavating, Inc.

This year=s James P. Gallagher Award goes to A-1 Excavating of Spooner, Wisconsin, for their exemplary approach in working with MVAC staff on a complex and challenging project in downtown Onalaska, Wisconsin. Archaeological monitoring was written into the STH 35/2nd Avenue reconstruction project because a site was known to exist, but extensive urban development meant there was no way to know before construction started whether any of the site remained intact. Pavement removal revealed surprisingly extensive intact deposits, leading to complex planning to balance archaeological commitments with public safety and keeping the project on track. A-1=s cooperative, friendly, and constructive attitude in working with MVAC during this challenging time earned the respect and admiration of all the MVAC staff. This award is MVAC=s thank-you to everyone who represented A-1 on the project.

Regional Archaeology Award

Dan and Judy Maas

As a youngster, Dan Maas used to collect artifacts near his home on La Crosse=s south side. As owner of La Crosse Building Systems LLC, his interest continues as he has discovered thousands of artifacts while building pole barns and while collecting artifacts over the past 55 years. According to Dan, Athe most exciting thing is when someone brings something in and you are able to help them identify it.@ Dan and Judy have participated in  MVAC=s Artifact Shows since 2001, have displayed their collection at Archaeology Day at Silver Mound, and frequently attend MVAC lectures. The Maas= also display their collection at the Collinsville (IL) Prehistoric Artifact Show, the Nebraska Artifact Show, and others every year, sharing their knowledge of Native American cultures with the general public. Dan and Judy have generously donated and placed on loan some of their collection to the Museum of Native American History in Bentonville, AK as further testament to their commitment to share the treasures of the past with others. For their continued commitment to archaeology and preserving the past, MVAC selected Dan and Judy Maas for the Regional Archaeology Award.

Archaeology Education Award

Robert and Gretchen Chalsm

Bob Chalsma contacted MVAC in early 2011to conduct a survey on his property north of Holmen. Hoping to sell the property in the future, he wanted to document any archaeological resources which happened to be on the property, in order to preserve the history of the land. In the spring of 2011 MVAC asked to bring a group of school children out to help survey the project, and the Chalsmas were very excited to give them the experience of finding a piece of the past. During the survey three sites were found on the property, expanding our knowledge of prehistoric cultures in the Holmen area.  The Chalsma=s have graciously allowed us to conduct the public field school within one of the sites the past two summers.  Mr. Chalsma happily allowed us to excavate test units within their corn and soybean fields and was especially pleased to have school children and teachers participate in the digs.

A-1 Excavating, Inc.

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