Preserving Louisiana's Legacy: Everyone Can Help

"Preserving Louisiana's Legacy: Everyone Can Help" by Nancy W. Hawkins is an anthropological study published in the early 1980s. The book addresses the preservation of Louisiana’s archaeological heritage, highlighting the importance of various cultural groups and the archaeological evidence they left behind. It emphasizes how residents, businesses, and government can collectively contribute to safeguarding these historical sites against the pressures of modern development. The content of the book outlines the history of human settlement in Louisiana, beginning with the Paleo-Indians and extending to contemporary times. Hawkins elucidates methods used by archaeologists for studying and excavating sites, discussing threats to archaeological sites from urbanization, agriculture, and industrial activities. She encourages public participation in preservation efforts, providing actionable steps citizens can take to report and protect archaeological sites. The book serves as both an informative resource on Louisiana’s rich history and a call to action for its preservation.