WEST—The Archaeological Conservancy was awarded the American Rock Art Research Association’s (ARARA) Keeper of the Gate Award for the stewardship and protection of pictographs and preservation of the Jay T. Last Archaeological Preserve at Exeter Rocky Hill. An awards ceremony was held in May during ARARA’s 51st annual conference in Visalia, California. Western Regional Director Linsie Lafayette accepted the award, presented by Jim Gorden, on behalf of the Conservancy, as well as a copy of the book “Rock Art of the World” by Jeffrey F. LaFave. Jim and Mary Gorden were the first to propose the acquisition of the site to the Conservancy in 1988.
During ARARA’s conference, Lafayette gave a presentation highlighting Conservancy preserves containing rock art in California, as well as the origins of the Conservancy and how preserves are acquired and managed.
Pictured: Western Regional Director Linsie Lafayette, left, accepts the award on behalf of the Conservancy, presented by Jim Gorden. Courtesy photo.
