The history of the founding of the United States of America is fascinating when you focus on the reasons why we are here and how we worked and sacrificed to achieve our freedom. Anytime we are at war with another country or culture is a time for Americans to reflect on the "blood, sweat and tears" our ancestors shed and then shiver with fear at the thought of living in countries in near slavery with hellish leaders and the daily threat of having family members disappear never to return (unless it's on the doorstep in pieces).
One of the worst tragedies Americans have suffered is the American civil war in which men and women, brothers, parents and spouses, fought against one another over an issue that has yet to be resovled. In one manner or another Americans still have prejudices concerning color, culture and gender.
The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) www.archaeological.org is North America's oldest and largest organization devoted to the world of archaeology. The AIA promotes an informed public interest in the cultures and civilizations of the past, supports archaeological research and fosters the sound professional practice of archaeology.
In 1999 excavations were started on a Civil War prison on Johnsons Island in Ohio. The continuing excavations offer a revealing insight into the workings of the barracks, the hospital and, of all things, the latrine of what once housed Confederate POWs. If you are a Civil War buff as I am this is a must see and read account of just a small piece of the time.
There is more to the AIA than I can describe here so it would benefit you to visit their website at www.archaeological.org and consider being a member. You can also check out AIAs Heather Pringle at www.heatherpringle.com and her blog in AIA is always so informative and interesting reading. Heather can be found in AIA at "Beyond Stone and Bone".
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