The Fairfax County Park Authority was awarded the 2023 Michael Hoffman Award from the Council of Virginia Archaeologists. The award, named in memory of a former professor of anthropology at the University of Virginia, recognizes organizations for significant contributions to archaeological site investigation and historic preservation within the Commonwealth. The Park Authority was nominated for its 30-year dedication to assuring that archaeological resources throughout the county are recorded, its cemetery recordation initiative and many educational programs.

"Fairfax County boasts a rich and diverse historical and cultural heritage," said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. "We at the Park Authority embrace our mission and responsibility of being stewards of that heritage by preserving it and sharing the stories of our past, which can inform our own histories to be added and handed down to future generations."

The Archaeology and Collections Branch (ACB) of the Park Authority identifies, preserves and interprets the material culture of Fairfax County. Its mission is to promote shared stewardship of cultural resources, nurture deeper understanding of the past and inspire future generations. In addition to maintaining and preserving archaeological and historical resources on county-owned and county-controlled land, the ACB assists private landowners and developers in providing archaeological reviews for zoning and permit applications where necessary.

The Park Authority’s Archaeology and Collections Branch is steward of more than 3 million archaeological artifacts, more than 10,000 museum objects, and thousands of associated archival items from Fairfax County. Examples of these items along with the interpretive work performed by the branch can be found at the ArtiFACTS website.

For more information about Fairfax County archaeology, contact FCPA-Archaeology@fairfaxcounty.gov.