The Archaeological Society of New Jersey has been closely following actions of the Montpelier Foundation regarding their break in trust with the Montpelier Descendants Committee, exclusionary bylaw changes, and the retaliatory firings of several key staff members for working together with the MDC and speaking publicly about the TMF’s reversal of this celebrated partnership.
Intimidation and retaliation have no place in archaeology. It is the moral responsibility of professional archaeologists to work together with historically underrepresented communities, such as the MDC, to accurately interpret sites using artifacts, features, context, and scientific data.
The ASNJ stands with the Montpelier Staff and the Montpelier Descendants Committee and condemns the discriminatory behaviors of the Montpelier Foundation, particularly Board Chair Gene Hickock and President Roy Young.
As an organization we will be drafting formal correspondence to both the Montpelier Foundation and the National Historic Trust, who own the property, and will be participating in the nationwide boycott of both organizations until leadership is held accountable.
To read more regarding this developing story please visit www.montpelierstaff.com