Retrospect, Summer 2011 Page: 2
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Artifacts (from Page 1)
part of a museum at the campus. In 1987 when the university dosed
its museum, the artifacts were loaned to the Courthouse-on-the Square
Museum. Most of the items had been
kept in storage.
Recently, Dr. Hook, a researd
a professor of indigenous studies at
UNT, approached the UNT archivist
after determining 73 artifacts likely
came from Native American burial
sites. In accordance with the Native
American Graves Protection and
Repatriation Act of 1990, museums
are required to return such items to
the tribe of origin when identified.
The decision to return the items
was an easy one according to
museum executive director Dr.
r Jonatha Hook in Cherokee afoe Georgia Caraway. "We were
led the rikd deunsng of ctfat eager to return these. From the first
Olia Woodwed, in caddo regoi, contact until the ceremonial return
atierce r was but a matter of weeks."
Now that the artifacts have been
returned to UNT's archives, they will be photographed for distribution
to Native American tribal leaders who will review the items. Those
identified and aimed will be returned or handled according to the
tribe's instructions.
Dr. Caraway expressed gratitude at being part of the
purification. "The dignity and care taken in handling the items touched
each of us. We (non-Native Americans) were grateful for being part
of it "
"It was quite spiritual," added Michelle Mears, the UNT ardiivist
who is also a Historical
Commission member. I
was very touched by
being induded. Nov,
that we are in the ,
process of getting these
items back to their
rightful place, I see it as
a very positive step for
all concerned."
Attending the
ceremony were Diane
Woodward, a Caddo a staff cnd DCHC members aKe- xe fle aeinsing
woman, and her ceremony.
daughters Olivia and
Leona. The Caddo and Wichita once inhabited Denton County. They
expressed their thanks to the museum staff, Ms. Mears, and others for
not only returning the items but also for taking part in the ceremony.
"The museum staff showed cultural sensitivity in allowing the
ceremony and, more so, to participate in it," stated Dr. Hook. "Their
cooperation demonstrated that they view other cultures as being
important parts of the community. It showed they had great respect
for our ancestors and the artifacts buried with them."Retrospect
Members (from Page 1)
throughout Denton County and points west over the years. A few
years ago he taught a four-week continuing education dass at the
University of North Texas, "The Hard Frontier of Northwest Texas,
1836 to 1876."
A member of the Denton County Historical Commission since 1998,
with a break while serving on the Denton City Council, Montgomery
counts his association with the Heritage Trails program and getting
Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds for the county museums and other
historical programs as his proudest accomplishments.
When asked for words of wisdom or advice for the Denton County
Historical Commission, Bob Montgomery said "I believe we need to
do a better job recruiting. lt is important that we get more members,
especially younger ones."
Oral History Expert Retires
By DJ Taylor
The Denton County Historical Commission says goodbye to
Michelle Mears, chair of the Oral History Committee and the
Recording Secretary for the commission. Ms. Mears retired at the
end of May from the University of North Texas where she has been
the university's archivist for the past five years.
Her skills and expertise in the field of oral history have been
valuable in expanding the Courthouse-an-the-Square Museum and
UNT collections of oral history interviews. A board member of the
Texas Oral History Association-and twice its presicent-Mears
brought a wealth of information and expertise to the DCHC and,
especially, the Oral History Committee.
A native of Austin with a BA in Art History from the University of
Texas and Masters degrees in Library Science from UT and History
from Baylor, Mears will be relocating to Temple, a town where she
had lived previously.
Prior to her work at UNT Ms. Mears worked for the Texas
Historical Commission, as archivist for Scott and White Hospital in
Temple, and as grant archivist for M. D. Anderson Hospital in
Houston.
Regarding her plans in retirement, Mears plans on remodeling her
home in Temple as well as getting reacquainted with two of her
hobbies: painting and playing Renaissance music on the Viola da
Gamba. She also plans to write a second book on the Freedmen.
Her first book, And Grace Will Lead Me Home, was published in
"109.
"I have enjoyed
^rkng with the
H i s t o r i c a
C o m m i s s i o rn
members these
past five years, _
said Ms. Mears. ,.
"There are many
w h o a r e
passionate about
their interest in the
county s history. I
i-k. Michliemtur, DC C Cro) History cnajr, LOS
wish them all the Myers, Associate Director of Baylor's Institute for Oral
luck and success in History; and Dr. Todd Moye, Director of UNT's Oral
their work." History Program led the Oral History 101 workshop.
Summer 2011Page 2
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Denton County Historical Commission (Tex.). Retrospect, Summer 2011, periodical, Summer 2011; Denton, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth542479/m1/2/?rotate=180: accessed July 18, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .