Anne Moore, Principal Investigator, Gray & Pape, Inc., Indianapolis, IN
Anne Moore is an archaeologist and architectural historian for Gray & Pape, Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana. She has been involved with Indiana archaeology and preservation for more than 10 years, having started out volunteering for the Indiana State Museum in high school. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Archaeology at the University of Indianapolis, she completed her Master of Historic Preservation at the University of Kentucky, specializing in African American slave architecture and archaeology. Recently, her research has focused on the General Lew Wallace property in her native city of Crawfordsville as well as the O'Neall House, an early brick Federal-style house, also in Montgomery County. Moore enjoys spending time with her family, usually wrangling her two-year-old son.
What led you to the preservation field?
In 2005, I had a Bachelor of Science in Archaeology and two years of Cultural Resource Management field work under my belt. I wanted to get a Master's degree and during an interview for an Anthropology program, the Historic Preservation program was suggested as a good fit. It allowed me to combine multiple loves of mine: history, archaeology, old buildings, and preservation. Why do you think historic preservation matters? I think preservation should matter to everyone. Historic buildings and fabric are all around us, every day. These remnants of the past are part of our everyday environment and shape who we are and how we feel about where we live and work. Preservation of that fabric allows us to retain our collective history and memory.
What courses do you recommend for students interested in this field?
The great thing about my graduate school experience was being around other classmates whose experiences and backgrounds were all different. I think History is a good base, but the great thing about the preservation field is the diversity. If you like the public aspect of preservation, take classes in running non-profits. If you're into research, take classes in history. If, like me, you have a foot in two fields, take electives that can apply to both interests.
Do you have a favorite preservation project? What about it made it special?
The General Lew Wallace Study & Museum in my hometown of Crawfordsville, Indiana, is continuously working on restoring parts of General Wallace's personal study (built 1895-1898). Recently, they replaced the copper roofing, and currently they are raising funds to restore the original mural paintings on the interior of the domed ceiling. These projects are special to me since I grew up visiting this beautiful property, and now as an adult, I'm in charge of a public archaeology project on the grounds (full disclosure, I'm also on the Board of Trustees!).
Can you tell us what you are working on right now?
Right now I am working on an HPR (Historic Properties Report) for a project in Indiana. Most of the work I do at my company is Section 106 work. Since I have degrees in both archaeology and historic preservation, I do both kinds of survey for federal- and state-funded projects. Do you have advice for novice and grassroots preservationists? Become involved! Local preservation groups are always looking for volunteers. Join national preservation organizations to network and stay current.
The ACHP's mission is "preserving America's heritage;" can you give us an example of how your community is preserving their heritage?
My neighborhood of Irvington in Indianapolis recently purchased a derelict commercial building (the oldest along our streetscape) and are raising funds to stabilize, restore, and sell it. Rather than see such an august building be torn down and replaced by new construction, the passionate neighbors are banding together to save it to become a useful part of the landscape. How do you think the national historic preservation programs help your community? National preservation programs provide grants and educational material that is widely used within my community. I live in a very preservation-minded neighborhood, so people are usually well-aware of what is possible with a little help from preservation programs. In addition, Indianapolis is hosting the National Trust Conference this year!
Have you worked on projects that bring education and awareness about preservation to your community?
Yes! My husband and I are in charge of a public archaeology program at the General Lew Wallace Study and Museum in Crawfordsville, Indiana. We provide a chance for the public to come out and experience hands-on activities on the property. As part of these activities, we always discuss how the features and artifacts uncovered should be preserved and/or displayed for the public to learn more about the past. Started three years ago, this program is now a staple part of the Study's yearly activities.
Read more Q&A stories about the preservationists in your neighborhood!