For Immediate Release: October 12, 2022 

The Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) is proud to announce the winners of the annual Bernard “Ben” Brenman Archaeology in Alexandria Award. The awards, named in honor of the late Ben Brenman, a longtime Commission chair, were presented by Mayor Wilson on Tuesday, October 11th at the Alexandria City Council meeting. Councilmember John Chapman read the proclamation.

The 2022 honorees are:

EYA RTS Construction, LLC for Outstanding Developer recognizing the company’s commitment to the highest quality archaeological preservation and historic interpretation at the Robinson Landing development project, and support and funding for the documentation and recovery of significant artifacts, features, and three ship hull fragments which will enrich the lives of Alexandria residents and visitors for years to come. Amy Friedlander, Adam Hayes, Evan Goldman, and Greg Griffin accepted the award on behalf of EYA.

AECOM for Outstanding Cultural Resources Management given for their extraordinary efforts to rehouse the Robinson Landing ship timbers in Ben Brenman Pond to preserve the possibility of future study and conservation. Scott Seibel and Adam Parker accepted the award on behalf of AECOM.

Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory for Outstanding Conservation presented for the organization’s expertise, innovation and leadership in preserving Alexandria’s buried past and the excavation, conservation, and creative curation of significant waterfront artifacts, features, warehouse timbers, and ship hull fragments. Patricia Samford and Nichole Doub accepted the award on behalf of the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory.

The Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) established the Brenman Award in 2007 in honor of the late activist and retired U.S. Army colonel. Brenman had devoted himself to finding, preserving and sharing Alexandria’s rich and diverse heritage, and was a founding member of the AAC, serving as its chair for 21 years. The AAC, a City of Alexandria commission, was the first of its kind established in the U.S.

The Brenman Award recognizes businesses, organizations, families, professional preservationists, volunteers, students and other individuals who have demonstrated work or efforts in archaeological investigation, research, site protection, education, public interpretation, open space design, collections, or conservation.

The 15-member AAC is appointed by the City Council and develops goals and priorities for Alexandria’s archaeological heritage. The commission works closely with residents, government agencies, developers, and teachers to promote archaeology in the city.to establish a welcoming community bound by equity and inclusion for all people.  

Visit alexandriava.gov/Archaeology for more information. 

For inquiries from the news media only, contact the Office of Communications & Public Information at newsroom@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3969. 

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Eleanor.Breen@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4399, Virginia Relay 711.

# # # 

This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/4052.