"An important addition to the history of southeastern archaeology, bringing to light the often undervalued or forgotten contributions of the many women who helped to make archaeology what it is today."-- Mary L. Kwas, Bulletin of the History of Archaeology

"A readable book that provides a lot of interesting material on the history of southeastern archaeology. It convinced me that, even though some women were treated in ways which today would be regarded as highly exploitative or discriminatory, many of their experiences were similar to those of male archaeologists, and that women have made equally important contributions to southeastern archaeology."-- Janet Rafferty, Journal of Alabama Archaeology

"Editors and contributors successfully walk a fine line between discussing individual accomplishments of these women and pointing out some of the obstacles that stood in the way of females attempting to navigate their way through a discipline dominated largely by males. . . . Highly recommended for any archaeologist interested in the history of the discipline."--Choice

"An important historical perspective on the formative years of southeastern archaeology. . . . Combines humor, personal history, and serious anthropology in a balanced way without becoming a male-bashing polemic. There are many issues raised that warrant serious thought by all of us concerned with understanding the past."-- Jefferson Chapman, director, Frank H. McClung Museum, Knoxville, Tennessee

"We who are women in southeastern archaeology have always known that without the work of women it would never have got done at all, never mind done as well as it has been. This group biography shows for the first time how women made contributions in every niche that the archaeology of the region had to offer." -- Patricia Galloway, Mississippi Department of Archives


This volume documents the lives and work of pioneering women archaeologists in the southeastern United States, from the 1920s through the 1960s, portraying their professional accomplishments in the context of their personal lives. Some of the women are working today, and they either wrote their own stories or were interviewed. Others are no longer living; their biographies are gleaned from archival research. Rich with humor, tragedy, and important information for the history of anthropology and archaeology in the South and beyond, this book includes the story of African-American women excavators on WPA crews during the Great Depression; tales of innovative lab work, adventurous fieldwork, and public archaeology; and provocative discussions of women in archaeology and of gender in the archaeological record.

Nancy Marie White is associate professor of anthropology at the University of South Florida, Tampa.

Lynne P. Sullivan is curator of archaeology at the Frank H. McClung Museum, Knoxville, Tennessee.

Rochelle A. Marrinan is associate professor of anthropology at Florida State University, Tallahassee.

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"Grit Tempered is an easily read, thought provoking book." - St Augustine Archaeological Association, Quarterly Book Review
--St. Augustine Archaeolgoical Assc, Quarterly Book Revew

"Editors and contributors successfully walk a fine line between discussing individual accomplishments of these women and pointing out some of the obstacles that stood in the way of females attempting to navigate their way through a discipline dominated largely by males. . . . Highly recommended for any archaeologist interested in the history of the discipline."--Choice
--Choice

"This book is an important addition to the history of southeastern archaeology, bringing to light the often undervalued or forgotten contributions of the many women who helped to make archaeology what it is today." -Bulletin of the History of Archaeology
--Bulletin of the History of Archaeology

"A readable book that provides a lot of interesting material on the history of Southeastern archaeology. It convinced me that even though some women were treated in ways which today would be regarded as highly exploitative or discriminatory, many of their experiences were similar to those of male archaeologists and that women have made equally important contributions to Southeastern archaeology." -Journal of Alabama Archaeology
--Journal of Alabama Archaeology

"For anyone interested in the history of Southeastern archaeology or the involvement of women in scientific research, it is a must-have." -Journal of Anthropological Research
--Journal of Anthropological Research

"This is a needed history, providing details both mundane and critical, personal and professional, feminist and archeological." - Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences
--Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences

"These fascinating brief portraits, variously based on documents, interviews, or autobiographical statements, reveal much of the changing circumstances in the context of which women's work must be understood." - National Women's Studies Association Journal
--National Women's Studies Association Journal