Celebrating Archaeology Week: Meet the Talent Behind the Trenches as they Debunk Myths

Ask any archaeologist what questions they frequently get, and they will likely mention at least one of these:

These questions highlight common misunderstandings about archaeology, a field that is often misrepresented and misunderstood.

Archaeology, and more broadly, cultural resources, is more than just digging in the dirt — it’s about uncovering the untold stories of humanity, preserving history, and connecting with the past in ways that shape our understanding of the present. Cultural resources include cultural resources management and planning, historic preservation, Indigenous relations and ethnography, and more. At SWCA, we are proud to celebrate Archaeology Week by highlighting the incredible work of our experts who bring passion, expertise, and a deep respect for cultural heritage to every project they undertake. While Archaeology Week is traditionally celebrated at the state level across the United States, SWCA is taking a moment to celebrate the exceptional work of our archaeologists on a national scale.

Join along as we connect with Anna Gilmer, a member of SWCA’s cultural resources team, to celebrate her stories, de-bunk archaeology myths, and uncover the dynamic roles of present-day archaeologists (who look more like you than they do Indiana Jones).

Geoarchaeology and Team Growth: Anna Gilmer’s Insights

Anna Gilmer, Senior Cultural Resources Team Lead at SWCA’s Chicago office, has been a pivotal member of the team since 2017. She began her journey with SWCA as an on-demand field technician and has since leveraged her master’s degree in anthropology, with a focus on geoarchaeology, to take on increasingly broader roles. Her expertise in analyzing soils, sediments, and artifacts enables her to unravel the context and integrity of archaeological sites, providing insights into how sites were buried and whether they have been disturbed.

Driven by a practical mindset, Anna opted for a career in consulting over academia or museum work. She relishes the challenge of diverse projects and the opportunity to solve case-specific problems. As Anna puts it, “I’m a very practical person. I like the idea of getting a project that is its own confined case study. We work that case, get all the data we need to complete it, solve that case, and move on to the next one. I like how consulting continues to give us new challenges and new adventures, and you can go from one project to the next and bring new insights and new lessons learned.”

Anna Gilmer monitoring a trench excavation within an archaeological site in the Chicago suburbs

Anna addresses common misunderstandings about cultural resources, noting, “I think clients often become concerned when we find cultural resources. Finding cultural resources doesn’t mean that the project can’t proceed. Not all cultural resources are considered ‘significant’ and different resources can mean different things. Sometimes it provides an opportunity to engage with another stakeholder in a new way. It’s our role to help clients navigate through the cultural resources landscape.”

Her expertise in geoarchaeology goes beyond examining artifacts. “Geoarchaeology means that I don’t just look at the artifacts at a site. I look at the soils and sediments that the artifacts are found in. Geoarchaeologists will look at everything from the individual grain of sand to the full landscape to determine if the site is in good context and if the site is intact. Our research questions typically work to answer questions like how the site was buried, what the landscape was like at the time people lived there, and what disturbances may have happened to the artifacts after the site was buried.”

Looking ahead, Anna is excited about the continued growth of the Cultural Resources team in Chicago. “We have grown significantly in the last few years and the work we’re doing is growing more varied. It covers more states, and the size of the projects are becoming larger. The more complex the project, the more we get to practice our archaeological skills, engage with stakeholders in meaningful ways, and think creatively, and that is what I enjoy doing most.”

Anna Gilmer kayaking along the DuPage River in Northern Illinois

A Commitment to Preservation and Discovery

At SWCA, our archaeologists are not just scientists — they are storytellers, educators, and advocates for cultural preservation. Whether uncovering the remains of a defensive trench associated with a 1700s Santa Fe Presidio, collaborating with Tribal communities, or designing innovative methods for excavation and analysis, their work ensures that the stories of the past are not lost to time.

As we celebrate Archaeology Week, we invite you to learn more about the incredible work being done by the SWCA team and archaeologists at large. Join us in honoring the dedication and expertise of the archaeologists who make it all possible.

Ready to explore a career in archaeology at SWCA? Learn more about career opportunities by visiting swca.com/careers.