Excellence in Cultural Resources
Giving Something Back: The Reed Farmstead Site

West Virginia Department of Transportation
Michael Baker Jr., Inc.
Charles Ryan Associates, Inc.

Public outreach was an integral part of the Reed Farmstead Site Archaeological Investigation. The site, which contained significant archaeological remains, was identified as part of the Appalachian Corridor H Project. This project provided an excellent opportunity to "give something back" to the community by providing information about archaeology, West Virginia heritage, and everyday life during the nineteenth century. This public outreach program utilized and integrated a variety of media coverage that included: classroom visits, site visits, preparation and distribution of brochures, newspaper articles, a videotaped production, and two internet web sites. (The Reed Farmstead Archaeological Site & Kids Dig Reed) The electronic efforts have reached and involved a far wider audience in a more cost-effective manner than is possible through the more traditional delivery methods. Through the continuing outreach efforts put forth by this partnership, this project shows how the transportation planning and project development process can preserve and enhance the understanding of our heritage.

Project Contributors West Virginia Department of Transportation, Division of Highways       Randolph T. Epperly       Joseph Deneault       Ben L. Hark       Rodney C. DeMott Michael Baker Jr., Inc.       Martin T. Fuess       Jonathon Glenn       Katry Harris       Stephen J. Hinks       Patricia L. Komara       Willard C. McCartney       Patricia L. Mulligan       Elizabeth D. Oliver Charles Ryan Associates, Inc.       Patrick Gallagher       Bos Johnson