Statue of The Boy Carver at the George Washington Carver National Park, Diamond, Missouri. The statue is close to Carver Creek. Carver was born a slave in a 14 foot square cabin not far away. A young scientist observing the statue is lost in thought. Photo by Ron Miller
ABOUT THE WORLD ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
The WAS was founded in 1971 by Ron Miller.
This is a scholarly organization dedicated to the study of Man and his culture globally through the related areas of archaeology, anthropology, art history and history in general. Members must agree to the following: "I pledge the following: To report archaeological finds to the nearest university departments of archaeology or anthropology, nearest scholarly archaeological society or museum, or antiquity authority (members can check on ways to catalog, and report on, surface finds - projectile points, etc and, in general, learn how to collect, which is a great fun hobby and can help science enormously. Sometimes, though, there are some really blockbuster finds that need to be reported post haste). To not dig unless trained in proper excavation procedure (there are a lot of volunteer possibilities out there). To protect finds. To respect property and rights of individuals and laws of states and countries (shut those gates, etc.). To support constructive archaeology. This is so much more satisfying and helpful for society far into the future. Much can be done. Everybody is important!" The motto of the WAS is ut prosit (to be of service).
The W.A.S. is interested in applied scholarship - putting studies to good use today.
Readers include teachers, students, museologists, pros of many types, including field archaeologists, serious amateurs (of many different occupations)...we refer to them as "Pro-Amateurs" - also editors, armchair enthusiasts, beginners and general library readers of all types. Archaeology is one of the great human interest subjects.
The WAS stresses the ultimate in scientific methodology, however, we recognize that science, while a great man-study tool, is really no more or no less than a mechanical, material tool, and we work hard to make sure that it does not become a pseudo-religion. We respect all of the great true religions of the world and are very much interested in their particular areas of archaeology/anthropology/art history, however, we are particularly interested in Christianity and its great roots. We believe that students and others should know about biblical archaeology
as well as the many other types of archaeology. The student in anthropology at the university or college won't learn of many sources of biblical archaeology, which is really sad.
We have always admired the type of science practiced by Dr. George Washington Carver born at nearby Diamond, Missouri. Even as a young lad growing up on Carver Creek, near Diamond, he said that he believed there was something spiritual behind every object of nature. Even then he was carefully observing nature, rocks, plants, creatures, but he always kept the spiritual above the material. And, he wanted to help mankind in dedicated, hardworking, creative, peaceful ways. He was a man of high character. All students need to know about him, not just the peanut and yam studies...but studies in soils micro-biology, general creative approach, thoughtfulness when helping poor farmers of the south and very important his hands on teaching approach of science. His methods are being employed in 41 school districts here in Missouri and helping raise scores dramatically. This is the answer to America's educational problems...and to problems in Africa. Carver and Booker T. have been there and done that!
What a great inspiration for all of us in the education, people, creative business.
Activities: The WAS Headquarters receives queries from students, researchers, editors, film-makers and others - those in need of immediate information on archaeological first aid and other matters. If we do not have the answer at our Information Center we direct the person to a specialist or special library. Note: the WAS encourages written queries be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope - or if from abroad, International Postal Reply Coupons. We keep on file names of archaeologists, societies, specialists in various man-study fields, museums, libraries, book lists, schools and companies with products of special interest. We appreciate hearing from any of the above wishing to be on file. The WAS Information Center/Library has many publications and a growing clipping, photo and tape file. Contributions, exchanges and books for review are appreciated.
Our library has several divisions: archaeology (called the Steve Miller Library), anthropology, art history, religion, literature and military history (about every other page of history has to do with something about the military).
Publications received for review are automatically entered in the SPECIAL COMMENDATIONS FOR BOOKS, JOURNALS, ARTICLES, GRAPHIC ART AND PHOTOS AWARD. There are some great works in our related fields.
We are developing a series: Career Notes...and also keep adding to an old subject of interest: The Democracy Club, a study of the fascinating roots of democracy, with applications to the present. This is now our Democracyology section on this site. It is fascinating just how much of our USA society (past and present) is involved in democracy and political sciene. This is great and a good positive sign.
The WAS has The Most Interesting Old Book Find Contest (Continuous)...send in a page or two essay on your find. If anyone wants to offer a prize, great! We also promote old Bible restoration. Fix up old bibles that you can't hurt anyway, copy quotes therein, learn book-repair craft, then, give them away. What a good deed...putting the ultimate anthropological text in hands of people!
You don't have to necessarily go on a dig to make some great archaeological finds. We encourage the excavation of garage sales, flea markets, library discard sales and used book stores. Some amazing discoveries have been made at such "digs."
Meetings: Presently, all business is conducted by snail mail, phone and e-mail.
Membership. The cost of membership is $16.00 U.S. of Norte Am. and $20.00 all other countries. Members receive the WAS Newsletter (occasional and if behind we always make up)and also one Special Publication per year.
Publications: The WAS Newsletter and Special Publications (both occasional publications). Special Publications have included such titles as A "Living"
Museum of Democracy,...and "The Iraqi War Series" (an anthropological analysis of war). The WAS Newsletter usually contains a feature article. For example: "Cameo & Intaglio Lore", the "Book Adventures" series and "Color, Anthropology and Energy." Write for back issue costs. Other newsletter features sometimes include book reviews, news, poetry and ads.
Re. Corresponding members (those sending in clippings, news notes, etc.). These are our WAS Special Correspondents.
They receive publications free.
We are always open for ideas. If you want to pitch in on something don't hesitate to let us know. Unfortunately, we can't pay on volunteer projects, but keep in mind, that helping out will look good on those resume' someday!
Among other things, we do a lot of coordinating.
Re. Financial matters - contributions, purchase of columns and other items. We appreciate financial contributions. We aren't a non-profit organization. Contributions of equipment and supplies are also appreciated. Used items are great. As old-timers back in the hills say: "We ain't proud!"
Note to publishers: In case anyone is interested in running any of the columns and other items on this site or any other writing/art/photography....it is all in the simultaneous submission category. We retain future rights as we need to keep recycling. We own all items including the previous published columns. As usual, pay what you can. And, at the end of each item, it would be appreciated if you run a little footnote: World Archaeological Society Information Center. ronwriterartist@aol.com Thanks - Ron Miller, 120 Lakewood Drive, Hollister, MO 65672. Ph. 417 334 2377. E-mail: ronwriterartist@aol.com
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This little painting in acrylic I did is entitled: Mexican Mobile. It was painted north of San Luis Potosi in the dry highland area of Mexico. San Luis Potosi is where they make a famous cactus candy. They also raise the fierce black bulls there for the bull rings. On the train "The Aztec Eagle" coming down from Nuevo Laredo to Mexico City I met a very interesting gentleman - a Don type - Sr. Pena, who raised such bulls near San Luis Potosi. He also had an electronic business. He gave me some excellent advice. I needed all such information I could get, especially being in charge of a group of college students.
He said avoid fiesta times, as many men get drunk and sometimes will go after Norte Americanos. He also told me how to beat the notorious pick-pockets. Put a few bills in your shirt pocket and put a sweater over your shirt. Leave your billfold back in the safe at the hotel. Ron
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