AIA Site Preservation Projects
The only known Classic Maya wooden structures are located in Paynes Creek National Park in Belize. The project, led by Louisiana State University Professor, Heather McKillop, will help protect the underwater wooden structures and make information available to area residents and tourists. With the three-year grant from the AIA, McKillop will construct an observational platform and host a series of workshops and talks in the region to raise awareness of the site.
Elevation view of Underwater Maya observation platform (AIA/Heather McKillop, Louisiana State University)
Late Classic Maya wooden building post with chipped base (AIA/Heather McKillop, Louisiana State University)
Snorkeling archaeologists systematically traverse K'ak' Naab' underwater site for wooden posts (AIA/Heather McKillop, Louisiana State University)
February 7, 2013
"Sustainable Archaeological Tourism of the Underwater Maya Project by 3D Technology," highlights the 3-D Scanning and Printing work performed by AIA Site Preservation Grant winners at the Lousiana State University Digital Imaging and Visualization in Archaeology lab.
May 9, 2012
Heather McKillop, director of the Underwater Maya project at Paynes Creek, discusses the successful opening of two permanent exhibits in a nearby town and ranger station to educate the public about the importance of this rare underwater Maya site.
March 28, 2012
Heather McKillop discusses the importance of the underwater sites at Paynes Creek during the opening of the Underwater Maya Exhibit in Punta Gorda March 15, 2012.
May 31, 2011
Heather McKillop provides an update about excavation and the AIA Site Preservation Grant from the water at Paynes Creek National Park in Belize.
June 28, 2010
The AIA announced today that the only known Classic Maya wooden structures, located in Paynes Creek National Park in Belize, will benefit from a $25,000 Site Preservation Grant.
The AIA is North America's largest and oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to archaeology. The Institute advances awareness, education, fieldwork, preservation, publication, and research of archaeological sites and cultural heritage throughout the world. Your contribution makes a difference.
