By Karessa Weir
Donald Weir, a 1974 Anthropology master’s graduate, has been presented with the national Society of Historical Archaeology’s Award of Merit for his lifetime of work in archaeology at this year’s national conference.
The SHA Awards of Merit were established in 1988 to recognize the specific achievements of individuals and organizations who have furthered the cause of historical archaeology.
“Donald J. Weir (was selected) for his outstanding leadership and mentorship in Midwest archaeology, pioneering professional practice in cultural resource management, and advancing diversity and education within the field,” the SHA 59th Annual Conference on Historical and Underwater Archaeology program proclaimed.
The award ceremony took place Jan. 10 in Detroit.
“The SHA award given to me in Detroit is very special to me,” Weir said. “My dad was an avocational archaeologist and I spent much of my youth going to archaeological meetings at Wayne State University. Early in my professional career with the late Steve Demeter, I worked on several Detroit archaeological projects including the People Mover. My last large project before retirement was the Gordie Howe International Bridge to Canada.”
Weir, who also earned a bachelor of science degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from MSU, is the founder and former CEO of the Commonwealth Cultural Resources Group.
He has set up the Commonwealth Heritage Group Diversity Scholarship Award in Archaeology at MSU for undergraduate and graduate students who are or who have been enrolled in archaeology courses offered by the Department of Anthropology.
“Diversity is a big issue in archaeology and anthropology, especially in archaeology,” he said. “When I went into the profession, it was 90% white male, and it’s now probably 60% female, 40% male, but still 90% white. So I want to encourage diversity in the profession, and I think the profession lacks that, and it will be to the betterment of society, and it’s important to have diversity in archaeology especially with indigenous archaeologists.”
In October 2021, Weir received the Distinguished Career Award from the Michigan Archaeological Conference (MAC) which recognizes archaeologists who have demonstrated excellence and contributed significantly and regularly to the advancement of Midwestern archaeology. He was awarded the 2010 McGimsey-Davis Distinguished Service Award by the Register of Professional Archaeologists, the 2017 ACRA Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Cultural Resources Association, and the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Michigan Historic Preservation Network.