IFR Field School Directors Honored for Excellence in Preservation Education

The Institute for Field Research is proud to celebrate Dr. Michelle Rathgaber and Sarah Shepard of the Arkansas Archeological Survey (ARAS) for receiving Honorable Mention for Outstanding Achievement in Preservation Education at the Preserve Arkansas Awards. This recognition highlights their leadership in the Fayetteville Curation Literacy field school, an IFR-supported program dedicated to training students in best practices for archaeological curation and collections management held during the 2024 field season.

Recognizing Excellence in Archaeological Preservation

Each year, Preserve Arkansas—a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and promoting the state’s historic resources—honors projects and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to heritage preservation, education, and advocacy. The Outstanding Achievement in Preservation Education Award spotlights initiatives that advance knowledge and training around the stewardship of historical and cultural resources.

This year, Dr. Rathgaber and Sarah Shepard were recognized for their work in preparing the next generation of professionals in museum studies, curation, and archaeological collections management. Their field school offered students a rare opportunity to work directly with archaeological artifacts and documents, contributing to a long-term initiative to modernize and digitize collections for broader public and research access.

Hands-On Learning in Curation

Hosted at the Arkansas Archeological Survey’s collections facility, the Curation Literacy Field School immersed students in the process of rehabilitating and cataloging archaeological materials from a mitigation project conducted in southwest Arkansas in the 1990s. The artifacts, which include materials from Caddo occupation and earlier cultural phases, hold immense research potential. Students learned to:

Physically examine, record, and digitize collections to enhance accessibility for future scholars
Work with various technologies to create 3D models of artifacts and expanding public engagement through virtual exhibits
Engage with representatives from the Caddo Nation, gaining critical insight into ethical archaeological practices and Indigenous perspectives
Develop research reports using newly curated collections

As part of the program, students also visited key regional sites, including the original excavation location, other significant Caddo sites, and the JEC Hodges Collection at Henderson State University.

Building a Future for Archaeological Stewardship

The work carried out in this program advances critical training focusing on the long-term responsibility of preserving, cataloging, and sharing archaeological resources. By training students in collections care and digital curation, the program is helping to ensure that archaeological materials remain accessible to scholars, Indigenous communities, and the public for years to come.

We are thrilled to see Dr. Rathgaber and Sarah Shepard’s dedication to preservation and education recognized at the Preserve Arkansas Awards, and we applaud the lasting impact of the Curation Literacy Field School. Congratulations to the entire team on this well-earned recognition!