Trowel Blazers: Women of the OSA featuring Casey Kirby

In honor of the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage in 2020, we are celebrating the talented women who work for the NC Office of State Archaeology with our "Trowel Blazers" series. This week we're honoring Casey Kirby, Archaeological Technician at the OSA Western Office!

Casey joined the OSA as a volunteer at the Western Office in February 2016 and became a permanent member of the team as one of our Department of Transportation (DOT) archaeological technicians in November 2017! She holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Anthropology and Classics from the University of Florida.

How did you become interested in archaeology?

My interest in archaeology was initially cultivated by an amazing middle school science teacher who bravely put together a mini field school and lesson plan as an introduction to the field. How Mr. Adams managed to keep us all on task and not wander off into the woods is still a mystery to me, but it was one of those experiences you never forget! ​

What is your favorite project or archaeology memory?

Fortunately for me, I was part of the 2009 University of Florida Historic Archaeology Field School directed by Dr. James Davidson. The field work was engaging, the people were amazing, and as an added bonus this is where I met my husband! ​

What other hobbies do you have?

Trail running and hiking in the western NC mountains​.

Cat or dog?

Both, because they are all wonderful in their own special ways and how anyone can love just one animal type is beyond me! I’m currently the fur-momma of a 7-year-old rescue pup named Finn who is my trail partner and constant companion.

About the Campaign
The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage. As part of a national campaign to commemorate this historic event, North Carolina’s Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) is coordinating a campaign titled “She Changed the World: NC Women Breaking Barriers” March 2019, continuing through November 2020. American women were granted the right to vote with the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified on August 18, 1920, after a 72-year fight by suffragists. The 19th Amendment did not resolve the issue of suffrage for women of color, who continued to battle for voting rights for decades.

Image credits:
-Trail dog, Finn, image courtesy of Casey Kirby