INDIANA—On March 13th, the Indiana Department of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHPA) presented James Heimlich, Ryan Duddleson, and Jerry Sweeten with the prestigious 2024 Indiana Archaeology Award, recognizing their exceptional dedication to documenting the state’s historic low head dams.
The award celebrates the team’s meticulous research and collaborative efforts to record these often-overlooked historical structures archaeologically. Heimlich, Duddleson, and Sweeten have worked closely with various agencies, communities, and landowners to ensure the practical completion of these vital documentation projects.
While significant historical resources, low head dams have endured over a century of wear, water, and weather exposure, leading to deterioration. The team’s archaeological documentation is crucial for historic preservation, providing valuable insights into Indiana’s engineering history.
Their work contributes significantly to understanding the state’s past. By meticulously documenting these dams, they ensure that this critical aspect of our engineering heritage is preserved for future generations.
The DHPA’s recognition highlights the importance of archaeological work in preserving and understanding Indiana’s rich history. The team’s efforts will contribute to a complete understanding of the state’s past.
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