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Statue of The Boy Carver at
the George Washington Carver National Park, Diamond, Missouri. The statue is close to Carver Creek. Carver was born a slave
in a 14 foot square cabin not far away. A young scientist observing the statue is lost in thought. Photo by Ron Miller
ABOUT THE WORLD ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
The WAS was founded in 1971 by Ron Miller.
This
is a scholarly organization dedicated to the study of Man and his culture globally through the related areas of archaeology,
anthropology, art history and history in general. Members must agree to the following: "I pledge the following: To report
archaeological finds to the nearest university departments of archaeology or anthropology, nearest scholarly archaeological
society or museum, or antiquity authority (members can check on ways to catalog, and report on, surface finds - projectile
points, etc and, in general, learn how to collect, which is a great fun hobby and can help science enormously. Sometimes,
though, there are some really blockbuster finds that need to be reported post haste). To not dig unless trained in proper
excavation procedure (there are a lot of volunteer possibilities out there). To protect finds. To respect property and rights
of individuals and laws of states and countries (shut those gates, etc.). To support constructive archaeology. This is so
much more satisfying and helpful for society far into the future. Much can be done. Everybody is important!" The motto
of the WAS is ut prosit (to be of service).
The W.A.S. is interested in applied scholarship - putting studies to good
use today.
Readers include teachers, students, museologists, pros of many types, including field archaeologists,
serious amateurs (of many different occupations)...we refer to them as "Pro-Amateurs" - also editors, armchair enthusiasts,
beginners and general library readers of all types. Archaeology is one of the great human interest subjects.
The WAS
stresses the ultimate in scientific methodology, however, we recognize that science, while a great man-study tool, is really
no more or no less than a mechanical, material tool, and we work hard to make sure that it does not become a pseudo-religion.
We respect all of the great true religions of the world and are very much interested in their particular areas of archaeology/anthropology/art
history, however, we are particularly interested in Christianity and its great roots. We believe that students and others
should know about biblical archaeology
as well as the many other types of archaeology. The student in anthropology at
the university or college won't learn of many sources of biblical archaeology, which is really sad.
We have always admired
the type of science practiced by Dr. George Washington Carver born at nearby Diamond, Missouri. Even as a young lad growing
up on Carver Creek, near Diamond, he said that he believed there was something spiritual behind every object of nature. Even
then he was carefully observing nature, rocks, plants, creatures, but he always kept the spiritual above the material. And,
he wanted to help mankind in dedicated, hardworking, creative, peaceful ways. He was a man of high character. All students
need to know about him, not just the peanut and yam studies...but studies in soils micro-biology, general creative approach,
thoughtfulness when helping poor farmers of the south and very important his hands on teaching approach of science. His methods
are being employed in 41 school districts here in Missouri and helping raise scores dramatically. This is the answer to America's
educational problems...and to problems in Africa. Carver and Booker T. have been there and done that!
What a great inspiration
for all of us in the education, people, creative business.
Activities: The WAS Headquarters receives queries from students,
researchers, editors, film-makers and others - those in need of immediate information on archaeological first aid and other
matters. If we do not have the answer at our Information Center we direct the person to a specialist or special library. Note:
the WAS encourages written queries be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope - or if from abroad, International
Postal Reply Coupons. We keep on file names of archaeologists, societies, specialists in various man-study fields, museums,
libraries, book lists, schools and companies with products of special interest. We appreciate hearing from any of the above
wishing to be on file. The WAS Information Center/Library, WAS, has many publications and a growing clipping, photo and
tape file. Contributions, exchanges and books for review are appreciated.
Our library has several divisions: archaeology
(called the Steve Miller Library), anthropology, art history, religion, literature and military history (about every other
page of history has to do with something about the military).
Publications received for review are automatically entered
in the SPECIAL COMMENDATIONS FOR BOOKS, JOURNALS, ARTICLES, GRAPHIC ART AND PHOTOS AWARD. There are some great works in our
related fields.
We are developing a series: Career Notes...and also keep adding to an old subject of interest: Democracyology,
Dept., WAS (see section on this site). This dept. is a study of the fascinating roots of democracy, with applications
to the present. We have added something new to this section....The Democracy Parliamentarian, WAS. This is a column available
to publishers. Only a few are published in this section. It is fascinating just how much of our USA society (past
and present) is involved in democracy and political science and what a great history and prehistory we have in democracy.
The WAS has The Most Interesting Old Book Find Contest (Continuous)...send in a page or two essay on your find.
If anyone wants to offer a prize, great! We also promote old Bible restoration. Fix up old bibles that you can't hurt anyway,
copy quotes therein, learn book-repair craft, then, give them away. What a good deed...putting the ultimate anthropological
text in hands of people!
You don't have to necessarily go on a dig to make some great archaeological finds. We encourage
the excavation of garage sales, flea markets, library discard sales and used book stores. Some amazing discoveries have been
made at such "digs."
Meetings: Presently, all business is conducted by snail mail, phone and e-mail.
Membership.
The cost of membership is $16.00 U.S. of Norte Am. and $20.00 all other countries. More and more of our news and various
features are moving to this site. Membership supports the site and if we can get out some hard copies. Our latest
publication is WAS Special Publication No. 23 (see review in section: "News/Pubs".
More publications:
Other Special Publications have included such titles as A "Living"
Museum of Democracy,...and "The
Iraqi War Series" a collection of articles re.(an anthropological analysis of war...especially focused on the first Iraqi
"Gulf" conflict. Military historians are interested in this one). The older WAS Newsletter (which we haven't
put out recently) usually contains a feature article. For example: "Cameo & Intaglio Lore" (now a new Special
Publication), the older "Book Adventures" series and "Color, Anthropology and Energy." Write for
back issue costs and availability. Other newsletter features sometimes include book reviews, news, poetry and ads.
Re.
Corresponding members (those sending in clippings, news notes, etc.). These are our WAS Special Correspondents.
They
receive publications free.
We are always open for ideas. If you want to pitch in on something don't hesitate to let us
know. Unfortunately, we can't pay on volunteer projects, but keep in mind, that helping out will look good on those resumes
someday!
Among other things, we do a lot of coordinating.
Financial contributions. No alms too small. We
don't sit outside the city gate reaching out, but work hard and appreciate any help. Material help also appreciated...in case
you have some extra piece of office or print shop equipment. We want to do more publishing here. We
appreciate all gifts. This helps keep the wheels turning. Make checks or money orders out to Ron S. Miller Thanks
- Ron S Miller, 120 Lakewood Drive, Hollister, MO 65672. Ph. 417 334 2377. E-mail: ronwriterartist@aol.com
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This little painting in acrylic I did is entitled: Mexican
Mobile. It was painted north of San Luis Potosi in the dry highland area of Mexico. San Luis Potosi is where they make a famous
cactus candy. They also raise the fierce black bulls there for the bull rings. On the train "The Aztec Eagle" coming down
from Nuevo Laredo to Mexico City I met a very interesting gentleman - a Don type - Sr. Pena, who raised such bulls near San
Luis Potosi. He also had an electronic business. He gave me some excellent advice. I needed all such information I could get,
especially being in charge of a group of college students.
He said avoid fiesta times, as many men get drunk and sometimes
will go after Norte Americanos. He also told me how to beat the notorious pick-pockets. Put a few bills in your shirt pocket
and put a sweater over your shirt. Leave your billfold back in the safe at the hotel. Ron
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