The Peggi Armstrong
Public Archaeology Award 

Ron Williamson and Rob MacDonald receiving PAPA from Paul Lennox and Marian Clark

1998 Recipient
Archaeological Services Inc.

Archaeological Services Inc. (ASI) arose out of Dr. Ronald Williamson's interest in archaeology and his public archaeology program at Longwoods Road Conservation Area, near London, Ontario, in the early 1980s. Since then ASI has undertaken many archaeological investigations including major works along the Niagara River at Snake Hill and at Fort Erie. The company has worked on several archaeological master plans for regional municipalities such as Halton, Fort Erie, Brantford and currently Ottawa Carleton.

Throughout, ASI has had a strong commitment to undertake sound archaeological research, to contribute to professional journals and the archaeological community, and also to inform the general public about heritage investigations and preservation.

Most recently, ASI has been involved in a massive archaeological project surrounding the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie, Ontario. Hidden below the streets and parking lots were over a million artifacts representing the lives of aboriginal peoples. Around 1800 B.C. the Niagara Frontier hosted one of the largest stone-tool workshops and trading centres in the Great Lakes region.

The results of this incredible collection of artifacts and the close community involvement with the people and public authorities in Fort Erie, are expressed in two important archaeological publications: one is a technical document and the other one is written for the general public.

The first book, entitled, In the Shadow of the Bridge: The Archaeology of the Peace Bridge Site (AfGr-9), 1994-1996 Investigations, is a compilation of numerous technical reports describing the investigation of archaeological deposits covering 24 hectares and 3000 years of occupation in Fort Erie.

The second publication entitled, Legacy of Stone: Ancient Life on the Niagara Frontier, brings the true excitement of archaeological discovery and interpretation to a level that can be enjoyed by all. This is done with a combination of accuracy and sensitivity to the interests of readers, including First Nations, that reaches new horizons for Ontario archaeology.

Archaeological Services Inc., their dedicated staff, and, in particular, Ronald Williamson and Robert MacDonald, have been granted the Peggi Armstrong Public Archaeology Award to honour their outstanding contribution toward the public exhibition and interpretation of Ontario's archaeological past.


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This page was created November 18, 1998 and updated on February 18, 2005.