Tonight, Dr. Kenneth Ames, Portland State professor and Anthropology Department chair, will speak to local archaeologists about the Meier Site, which is located near Scappoose, Ore. According to Ames, the site is also one of the most significant sites in the Lower Columbia River.
The Meier Site was excavated between 1987 and 1991. It dates back to 1400 AD to the founding of Ft. Vancouver in the 1830s, and discoveries at the site include a constructed plank house that revealed local residential habitation. Tonight’s speech will disclose the results and analyses of artifacts that were excavated from the site.
“The site is the vantage point from which to talk about Lower Columbia River archaeology, and why it’s important,” Ames said. “I want to show why these types of sites need to be protected from local development and human stupidity.”
Ames has been a PSU professor since 1984 and has been doing local archaeological research since 1987. In addition, Ames has been the Anthropology Department chair for the past nine years. He frequently gives updates at public lectures on a variety of subjects linked to archaeology.
Aside from the Meier Site, Ames is also studying the Cathlapotle and the Clahclellah Site in the Columbia Gorge. His research also delves into household organization and production of Chinkoon tribes, regional interaction and trade and site formation processes, he said.
Ames’ speech will specifically cover the Meier Site and its surrounding areas. The lecture is meant to inform local archaeologists—and the public—about the site, its ancient inhabitants and the other sites near Meier. These sites are dated within the last 500 years and are closely tied with recognized and unrecognized Native American Tribes, according to Ames.
According to the society’s website, the OAS stresses the importance of working with professional archaeologists in the advancement of knowledge, and educating the public.
“The Oregon Archaeological Society is comprised of local amateur archaeologists; people for whom this is a hobby, passion and interest,” Ames said. ?
The lecture will be held in Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s auditorium at 7:45 p.m. It is free and open to the public.
The presentation is preceded at 7 p.m. by a general business meeting, which is also open to the public. Visit www.oregonarchaeological.org or call 503-727-3507 for more information. ?