Archaeology Month 2023 - Q&A with Kiana Wilkerson

Kiana on an archeology dig

We kick off Archeology Month with Menokin's own Kiana Wilkerson. Over the month, we will be featuring Q&A sessions with various persons in this field of study. Enjoy!

What is your job title and responsibilities?

My name is Kiana Wilkerson and I am the Descendant Research Associate at Menokin! My primary responsibility is to learn about the enslaved persons at Menokin and also connect them to their modern-day descendants. But before starting this position, I was an archaeologist. The skills I’ve learned in the field of archaeology helped me prepare to be the researcher I am today.

What does archaeology mean to you?

Besides the technical definition of archaeology, to me, archaeology means the study of how objects and materials can show how people lived that wouldn’t necessarily have a voice otherwise. For people who could not read or write, the artifacts found through archaeology help tell their story and paint a better picture of their lived experiences.

Why did you decide to join the field of archaeology?

I’ve wanted to be an archaeologist since I was in the fourth grade. I was especially interested in how together cultural materials and written documents can help tell a fuller history. Also, the idea that digging in the ground could lead to so many discoveries was cool to learn about in my undergraduate classes. Joining the field though required a leap of faith. I am very thankful for my field school and supervisors, who helped me along the way.

What would you say is your biggest professional accomplishment or the biggest professional challenge you've faced?

This is going to sound a little cheesy, but one of my biggest professional accomplishments was teaching other new archaeologists in the field some of their skills. In 2021, I worked at James Madison’s Montpelier field school and taught their field school students. It is amazing to see what the students I helped are doing now and how they are tackling the field of archaeology. I’m super proud!

What words of wisdom would you like to share with the next generations of professionals seeking to work in your field?

I would give this advice to anyone, not just people in archaeology, but trust and take care of your body. The field is grueling on the body and mind. It is important to put your safety and health first! This doesn’t mean only physical health/safety but mental health as well. Both are super important.

What has been your coolest find since starting this field?

I have found so many interesting things as an archaeologist, that it is hard to narrow it down to one find. If I had to pick, it would either be the half-a-bottle seal for James Madison I found as a field school student. Or a potential Spanish coin founded in an 18th-century tavern basement.