Greetings! And welcome to the first issue of the Written In Stone E-Newsletter.

For those of you not familiar with this documentary in-the-making, Written In Stone will be a one-hour public television program, exploring the little-known and endangered prehistoric Native American carvings and paintings which survive in the Ohio Valley. We hope this
E-Newsletter will be a source of general information regarding this unique and timely project. And for the many people involved in the creation of Written In Stone, the E-Newsletter will help keep you updated on the people, places, and events which together are forming a viable, and entertaining educational tool - something all of us can be proud to be a part.

Although we have a finished shooting script, we continue efforts to make the production a "cutting-edge" program, by including the very latest scientific information regarding the Ohio Valley's petroglyphs and pictographs. This past summer, newly discovered archival materials related to the project were brought to our attention. We've also added some fantastic prehistoric artifacts and props. And as we strive to stay in contact with those actively involved with the documentation of the region's rock art, several additional important rock art sites are now under consideration for filming.

Fund raising for a project the size of Written In Stone continues to be a major task. We are unarguably challenged by a production originating in, and exploring the mysteries of, this often neglected region. But in my many conversations with professional archaeologists, Native Americans, historians, educators, and most encouragingly — young people, I hear again and again the excitement in their voices, at the possibilities and potential which could be created through and around such a cultural program. Our fund raising strategy for the coming months is to leave "no stone unturned." Through 100% tax-deductible donations from foundations, businesses, and individuals, our goal is to have the cameras rolling in the early summer of 2005.

Finally, the Written In Stone E-Newsletter also provides an opportunity to personally say THANK YOU to all those who have supported the production with their time, talents, financial contributions, and encouragement. As I've said many times before, rock art is not about rock, nor is it about art — it's about people. The people who left these carvings and paintings throughout the valley, centuries ago, and the people today who are coming together to create the awareness necessary for the preservation of our vanishing cultural treasures. And looking forward, the people of tomorrow, who will have the opportunity to study and enjoy these enigmas in stone.

Sincerely,



Steven R. Shaffer
Producer and Project Director

The Glyph Hunters —
Searching for Prehistoric Images in the Ohio Valley

Pennsylvania archaeologist Ken Burkett has devoted a great deal of time and effort to documenting the Parkers Landing petroglyphs, a rock art site located on the Allegheny River in Clarion County, PA. Over a period of four summers, Burkett was able to map the site, and also create castings of each figure, by utilizing a polyurethane molding material in conjunction with an environmentally safe and non-destructive release agent. Part of Burkett's extensive survey included a search for possible buried petroglyphs. In 2001, his excavations brought to light a previously unknown large rock, containing 28 unrecorded figures. To date, Burkett has recorded 194 instances of human engraving activities at Parkers Landing. 170 of the figures are designated as prehistoric, due to their advanced state of weathering, and obvious origination through a process of direct pecking and longitudinal grinding. Burkett's work at the Parkers Landing petroglyph site ensures these recorded images will be available for future study, and enhances our understanding of an ancient form of communication. Burkett will present a paper on his findings at the American Rock Art Research Association conference in May of 2005.

Behind the Scenes — North Carolina Artist Joey Hartley works to recreate the elaborate regalia worn by a late-prehistoric ceremonial Falcon Dancer, who will be featured in Written In Stone. Hartley's talents include hand-crafting hundreds of shell beads worn by the dancer, as well as recreating a very believable severed human head.

Thanks!

Technical Takes — Currently the Special Projects Director for Ohio University Southern Campus, Joe Barta IV has produced a variety of projects, from live television, to just about any video imaginable (industrial, promotional, educational, and commercial). Barta has worked with productions such as America's Most Wanted, Rescue 911, the Montel Williams Show, ESPN, PBS, and CBS, and is the recipient of numerous honors from the Advertising Federation, the Videographer Awards, the Vision Awards, the Communicator Awards, the Summit Awards, and the Telly Awards. As one of the camerapersons who will contribute technical expertise to Written in Stone Barta is looking forward to his role in presenting the Ohio Valley's prehistoric past.

Please feel free to pass this E-Newsletter on to your friends.

We welcome all queries, comments and criticisms to our email box at Rockart@localnet.com.


Copyright © 2005 Steven R. Shaffer. All Rights Reserved.