George Avery

George Avery has a Ph.D. from the University of Florida, an M.A. from the Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and a B.A. from Marquette University.  All degrees are anthropology.  His research interests include Spanish colonial archaeology and cemeteries.  His field experience includes the U.S. (midwest, southwest, northeast and southeast), the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. I was the Station Archaeologist at Los Adaes State Historic Site in Louisiana—18th century capitol of Texas, from 1995 to 2005, and since October, 2007, staff archaeologist at SFA.

Title:  Cemetery Interpretation Project and Mosaic Templars of America Research

The Preserve America Cemetery Interpretation project was a joint effort between the City of Nacogdoches and Stephen F. Austin State University.  We were one of the last of the Preserve America grants—it has been cancelled due to lack of funds.  I will discuss the Preservation Committee’s efforts, from 2010 to 2012.  The Mosaic Templars of America (MTA) survey in East Texas grew out of the Preserve America grant, and has been ongoing for the last two years.  The MTA was an African American fraternal organization which issued grave markers to members who passed away between 1910 to 1930.  All the records have been lost, and the survey of MTA grave markers will allow the rebuilding of the roles in East Texas.