Alexandria leaders celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC), described in a release as the first city archaeological commission in the country, at a City Council meeting earlier this week
The AAC was founded in 1975. The 15-member Commission is appointed by the City Council and works in historic advocacy and preservation, working closely with City’s archeology staff and other departments.
“For the past 50 years, the AAC has played a pivotal role in shaping Alexandria’s archaeological legacy, creating a city where history is not only preserved but made visible for all to experience,” City Archaeologist Eleanor Breen said in a release.
Breen said that advocacy has been reflected in historic sites around the city like the Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial, Tide Lock Park and African American Heritage Park.
“The true celebration is for the dedicated women and men who have served on the AAC over the past 50 years,” said AAC Chair Ivy Whitlatch. “From working to enact the Alexandria Archaeological Protection Code to hiring the City’s first City Archaeologist, Dr. Pam Cressey, who established the division, their tireless advocacy shaped the interpretation of Alexandria’s history.”
