Joe Downer Email & Phone Number

United States

Mount Vernon, Va

-Oversees archaeological field crews comprised of professionals, interns, and volunteers of various skill levels to research and excavate sites across Mount Vernon’s historic landscape, maximizing efficiency and ensuring proper methodological practices are followedManages and hires archaeological staff-Creates project budgets, maximizing efficiency and ensuring projects are completed on time and at the highest quality -Designs and oversees the execution of Phase I, II, and III archaeological surveys to serve both research and mitigation-driven initiatives-Manages Association-wide GIS database, ensuring valuable preservation data is protected and readily available for future projects-Conducts historic map overlay analysis and chain-of-title research -Produces detailed survey maps and materials to aid in site excavation, public interpretation, and present at professional presentations-Provides nationwide archaeological consulting support on cultural site/historic cemetery preservation strategies and goals -Collaborates with inter-departmental agencies by coordinating with Visitor Engagement and Education departments to share information, provide archaeological updates, and contribute to overall guest experience-Liaise with descendant communities and stakeholders, listening to input, and ensuring transparent and collaborative workflows are achieved -Developed and implemented a complete restructure of the vital archaeological volunteer program consisting of more than 50 individuals contributing an average of 5,000 hours of service annually-Conducts geophysical surveys in cemeteries and other sites to locate subsurface features

Mount Vernon, Virginia

-Conducted archaeological research and excavation, using established best practices in field and laboratory methods and procedures-Served as principal investigator of the Mount Vernon African American Cemetery Survey project-Conducted research to identify additional cemeteries in eastern Fairfax County related to Mount Vernon -Worked closely with Operations & Maintenance teams to monitor and mitigate infrastructure impacts to below-ground cultural resources-Conducted chain-of-title research-Curated and cataloged collections, ensuring proper handling guidelines were followed-Supervised staff, interns, and volunteers to meet daily progress goals and maintain industry standards-Developed extensive research designs and interim archaeological reports-Used geospatial technologies to document archaeological features, produce site maps, and create interpretive resources-Planned and organized commemorative memorial services and ceremonies, creating positive public relations events that included diverse stakeholder groups-Enhanced Mount Vernon’s public image by courteously interacting with and educating enthusiastic and curious guests-Developed media updates and public presentations to achieve outreach initiatives

Washington D.C.

-Conducted archival research at the Library of Congress, National Archives, and Interior Library, working under the NPS Chief Historian-Prepared background briefings on several topics for Park Service leadership -Assisted with research and image procurement for the NPS publication, The Life and Legacy of Robert Smalls of South Carolina’s Sea Islands, written by Park Service Historian, Lu Ann Jones, and Chief Historian, Robert Sutton

Master’S Degree, Anthropology

Research focus on landscape archaeology and the perceived landscapes of enslaved African Americans in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Professional Certification, Utility Scan Ground Penetrating Radar System

GSSI Training in Utility Scan survey system. Nashua, New Hampshire.

10-Hour Osha Training Certification - General Industry

Professional Certification, Gis

Archaeological And Historic Preservation Field School, Archaeology, Architectural History, Historic Preservation

Received six graduate-level credits for this six-week field school program. Learned methods and theories of fieldwork in American.

Bachelor'S Degree, History

Research focus on the history of Civil Rights in the United States, Historic Preservation, and the Great Depression. Further research.