An Essential Relationship: Amateurs and Professionals in Central Arizona Archaeology (The Arizona Archaeologist)

The production of knowledge about the archaeological record often involves efforts by both amateur archaeologists working because they love what they do, and professional archaeologists, who may also love what they do but also have chosen to make a living from the activity. This book examines a roughly 90-year period in the relationships between amateurs and professionals who have worked in the Prescott region of central Arizona. Three individuals who receive close attention are J. W. Simmons, who was first to identify the region as culturally different and to get professionals interested in working there; Franklin Barnett, who focused on excavating late pueblo ruins in the region; and Ken Austin, who took on a regional survey to document the numerous hilltop sites in the area. All three of these amateurs worked with professionals, but also inspired additional researchers who carried on with their path-breaking work. We also explore the archaeological societies in Prescott, particularly the current Yavapai Chapter of the Arizona Archaeological Society, which have been active in important salvage work and research for nearly four decades. The concluding chapter examines how amateurs have been leaders in archaeological work in the region and where we can expect contributions to come from in the future.