Description
Book SynopsisGirl Archaeologist illuminates the life and trailblazing career of Alice Kehoe, a woman with a family who was always, also, an archaeologist.
Trade Review“Kehoe has seen archaeology grow and change over sixty years—both technically and politically. While women in positions of prestige and influence were rare in the 1960s, today they are common. Kehoe’s story documents what it took to move the profession in that direction. It is an inspiration to all.”—
American Archaeology “Books such as
Girl Archaeologist are not only a reflection of how the field of archaeology has changed, but also provide space to examine the profession at the current moment.”—
Historical Archaeology “Kehoe’s gift for friendship shines in her enduring relationships with students, colleagues, and her Native teachers. Hers is an accessible, absorbing book suitable for all readers and for a variety of courses in women’s studies, cultural anthropology, and archaeology.”—R. Berleant-Schiller,
Choice "Alice is not one to "shut up and be quiet." She crafted a career, published sixteen books and four co-edited collections, and was honored for her enduring work as a Plains archaeologist. Her life as a "girl archaeologist" began in an era when there were few women in the field, and most faced the same kinds of discrimination and serious roadblocks. Now that there are many more successful women archaeologists, it is important to remember this grim history."—Louise Lamphere,
Journal of Anthropological Research“
Girl Archaeologist is everything Alice Beck Kehoe is—witty and irreverent while at the same time touching, honest, and open. . . . This book is necessary for anyone interested in archaeology’s less-than-welcoming history, especially in light of today’s calls for social justice, inclusion, and equity.”—Joe Watkins, president of the Society for American Archaeology, 2019–21
“Piercing, funny, and heartbreaking all at once, the story of Kehoe’s grit and perseverance in the face of rampant sexism will keep you glued.”—Becky Cooper, author of
We Keep the Dead Close“Alice Kehoe is a living legend in archaeology. . . . She digs deep with self-reflection and searing honesty to survey her struggles and breakthrough achievements. . . . She persevered through it all with unbroken tenacity.”—Chip Colwell, author of
Plundered Skulls and Stolen SpiritsTable of ContentsList of Illustrations
Preface
1. Born into a Man’s World
2. Launched into Archaeology, Where Sexism Ruled
3. Achieving the MRS. and Fieldwork, with Toddlers
4. “Benign Neglect” at Harvard
5. Academia
6. Trolls Appear
7. Life on My Own
8. My Friends Out on the Tundra with Me
9. Issues with Limits
10. Applause and Reward
Epilogue: Where Was I When Kennedy Was Shot?
Acknowledgments
Appendix: Books I Have Written and Why
