Awards & Memorials Committee
Photo: © Fairfield Foundation, 2005
About
This committee oversees the issuance of awards: the Hoffman Award, for organizations; the Sherman Award, for individuals, recognize those outside of the professional archaeological community who have made significant contributions to archaeological site preservation or historic preservation within the Commonwealth; and the McCary Award, given jointly by the Archeological Society of Virginia and the Council of Virginia Archaeologists in recognition of the best student paper in prehistoric archaeology at the ASV Annual Meeting.
Chair(s)
- Eric Proebsting
Members
- Jolene Smith
- Mark Kostro
News
Recent posts from this committee
In Memoriam
Awards
Each fall the Council of Virginia Archaeologists (COVA) presents awards in memory of Michael Hoffman, Professor of Anthropology at the University of Virginia, and Virginia Sherman, Westmoreland County’s Historic Preservation Officer. The Hoffman Award, for organizations, and the Sherman Award, for individuals, recognize those outside of the professional archaeological community who have made significant contributions to archaeological site preservation or historic preservation within the Commonwealth. Some examples of possible recipients include local municipalities, corporations, politicians and developers.
In addition, the McCary Award is given jointly by the Archeological Society of Virginia and the Council of Virginia Archaeologists in recognition of the best student paper in prehistoric archaeology at the ASV Annual Meeting.
| YEAR | AWARD | RECIPIENT | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Hoffman | Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation | Management of the cultural and natural resources associated with The Cove, a 1,123 acre area along the Staunton River in Halifax County, VA. |
| 2025 | Sherman | William H. Speiden | 40-year dedication to document and preserve sites in the Piedmont, and support ASV student scholars and the Archeological Facility at Kittiewan |
| 2024 | Hoffman | Flint Development | Responsiveness and care regarding indigenous cultural resources present on the Capitol 95 Logistics Center project in Stafford County, VA. |
| 2024 | Sherman | No Award | |
| 2023 | Hoffman | Fairfax County Park Authority | 30-year dedication to assure archaeological resources and cemetereis are recorded throughout the county as well as educational programs. |
| 2023 | Sherman | Carl Fischer | Spirit of volunteerism, dedication to the value of archaeology, and efforts to share archaeological data with the public. |
| 2022 | Hoffman | Cultural Heritage Partners | Donated legal councel to othe Monacan Indian Nation in its four-year struggle to protect Point of Fork against the James River Water Authority. |
| 2022 | Sherman | Lenora McQueen | Meticulous research and tireless advocacy related to the Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground. |
| 2021 | Hoffman | ||
| 2021 | Sherman | ||
| 2020 | Hoffman | Congregation of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception | Restoration work within the Basilica of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, including archaeological recovery of human remains and documentation of historic drain tunnels. |
| 2020 | Sherman | Delegate Betsy Carr | Recognizing Delegate Carr’s commitment to Virginia Archaeology, including her support of underwater archaeology. |
| 2019 | Hoffman | The Germanna Foundation | Use of archaeological studies to support the historic heritage of the German colonists and their descendants and explore the Enchanted Castle site |
| 2019 | Sherman | James Gloor and Carol Reynolds | Completion of the Archaeological Society of Virginia certification program and numerous publications on area archaeological initiatives |
| 2018 | Hoffman | Rappahannock Tribe of Virginia | Protection of cultural resources and commitment to raising awareness about Rappahannock and Native history |
| 2018 | Sherman | Roger Buyrn | Support of DHR/ASV/USDA-FS field school and preservation of his property |
| 2017 | Hoffman | James Monroe’s Highland | Commitment to historical research, public education, and advocacy for inquisitive students |
| 2017 | Sherman | Dr. Gary Brown | Continued support of the DHR/ASV/UUSDA-Forest Service cooperative field school |
| 2016 | Hoffman | Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center | Continued support of archaeological studies at Great Neck, including financial support, logistical aid, and equipment donation |
| 2016 | Sherman | Eve Gregory | Donation of the artifacts and associated records from the Hatch Site (44PG0051) |
| 2015 | Hoffman | Mathews County Historical Society | Consistent and laudable commitment to preserving archaeological sites and supporting archaeological research |
| 2015 | Sherman | Dr. James Whittenburg | Tireless efforts in the fields of archaeological education and fieldwork, notably work on salvage sites |
| 2014 | Hoffman | Central Virginia History Researchers | Improving our understanding of cultural history, especially your work to connect African-American families |
| 2014 | Sherman | Hanna Brooks Burruss | Permanently preserving the Prince Edward Soapstone Quarry located outside of Farmville |
| 2013 | Hoffman | City of Fredericksburg | Sponsorship of archaeological projects as a planning tool |
| 2013 | Sherman | Bill Olson | Support of cemetery studies and long-term cemetery recordation, maintenance and care throughout Prince William Co. |
| 2013 | Sherman | Joyce Stevens | Support of arcaheolgical studies on her property in Alexandria |
| 2012 | Hoffman | Menokin Foundation | ID and Preservation of archeaological resources and excavation of the 1769 Francis Lightfoot Lee House |
| 2012 | Sherman | Robert Steig | Support of arcaheolgical studies and long term planning in the Berryville area |
| 2011 | Hoffman | Mount Vernon Neighborhood Friends | For commitment to Mount Vernon area archaeology |
| 2011 | Sherman | Anita Dodd | For long-term commitment to Stafford County archaeology |
| 2010 | Hoffman | Wintergreen Nature Foundation | For founding the Wintergreen Archaeological Survey (WAS) |
| 2010 | Sherman | Becky Garber | For commitment to Virginia archaeology |
| 2009 | Hoffman | Ziai Family Limited Partnership | For donation of 20 acres of land in Loudoun County to The Archaeological Conservancy |
| 2009 | Sherman | Dot O'Connor | For long-term commitment to the Poplar Forest archaeology program |
| 2008 | Hoffman | Buckland Preservation Society | |
| 2008 | Sherman | Alan Crockett | |
| 2007 | Hoffman | No Award | |
| 2007 | Sherman | No Award | |
| 2006 | Hoffman | No Award | |
| 2006 | Sherman | No Award | |
| 2005 | Hoffman | Hopewell City Council | For long-term commitment to preservation |
| 2005 | Sherman | Troy & Theresa Stavens | For site stewardship of Warner Hall |
| 2004 | Hoffman | Brentsville Historic Centre Trust | For preservation of the Brentsville Courthouse complex |
| 2004 | Sherman | William Glahn | For site stewardship of New London |
| 2003 | Hoffman | Mount Vernon Ladies' Association | For ongoing preservation leadership |
| 2003 | Sherman | William Cropper | For donation of Kittewan to the Archaeological Society of Virginia |
| 2002 | Hoffman | Loudon County Board of Supervisors | For commitment to archaeological investigations in the development process |
| 2002 | Sherman | No Award | |
| 2001 | Hoffman | Stockner Excavation Co. | For assistance with archaeological investigations at the Carroll County Courthouse |
| 2001 | Sherman | Charles Hill Carter, III | For site stewardship of Shirley Plantation |
| 2000 | Hoffman | International Paper Company | For stewardship of the Cactus Hill Site |
| 2000 | Sherman | ||
| 1999 | Hoffman | City of Alexandria | For long-term commitment to preservation |
| 1999 | Sherman | Edith Sprouse | For contributions to historical research in Virginia |
| 1998 | Hoffman | Rosewell Foundation | |
| 1998 | Sherman | ||
| 1997 | Hoffman | ||
| 1997 | Sherman | ||
| 1996 | Sherman award created | ||
| 1996 | Hoffman | City of Manassas | For preservation of the Jennie Dean Industrial School Site |
| 1996 | Sherman | Robert Hicks | |
| 1995 | Hoffman | Busch Properties | For site stewardship of Kingsmill |
| 1994 | Hoffman | Richmond County Board of Supervisors | For assessment of Richmond County historic resources |
| 1993 | Hoffman | Virginia Foundation for the Humanities | For providing grants for the interpretation of historic resources |
| 1992 | Hoffman | Virginia Sherman & Steve Gunnels | For preservation of the Morgan Jones Kiln Site and other sites in Westmoreland County |
| 1991 | Hoffman | Sandra Speiden | For preservation of the Thunderbird Site |
| 1990 | Hoffman award created |
COVA Grants
Apply for a COVA Grant
Since 2011, COVA has provided small grants to members for projects that support preservation, public education and/or research.
| YEAR | AWARDEE | PROJECT |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Charles Niel Manson | Page Valley Jasper Survey |
| 2011 | Christopher Shephard | The Gingaskin Archaeological Survey |
| 2011 | E. Randolph Turner, III | Lost Virginia History: Documenting Forgotten Archaeological Collections, 1875 |
| 2012 | No grants given | |
| 2013 | Randy Lichtenberger/Keith Adams | Mead's Tavern Artifact Analysis |
| 2013 | Bernard Means | Virtual Zooarchaeology of Virginia |
| 2013 | Charles Niel Manson | Research on Bone Shuckers found on shell midden sites |
| 2014 | No grants given | |
| 2015 | Ellen Chapman | Rehabilitating the Virginia State Penitentiary Archive |
| 2015 | Maureen Meyers/ Nikki Matson | Archaeology Education Outreach in Southwestern Virginia |
| 2015 | Maureen Meyers/ Martha Grace Lowry Mize | Virtual Ecomuseum in Lee County |
| 2016 | Lauren K. McMillan | Genealogical Research in Preparation for Oral History Interviews for the Sherwood Forest Plantation Project |
| 2017 | Ellen Chapman | "transcribing 35 interviews from mainly Richmond archaeologists, museum professionals, preservationists, and "truthful history activists." |
| 2017 | Martha Grace Lowry Mize, supervised by Maureen Meyers | for web site hosting fees for theleecountystory.com |