Tempest in a Teapot

Tempest in a Teapot traces the evolution of archaeology from the pioneer archaeologists and collectors of the 1890s to the modern world’s fast-paced cultural resource management industry driven by environmental assessments, staying ahead of the bulldozer, and Indigenous engagement. Central to this transformation is the changing role of women, who have inserted themselves into archaeology from the Victorian-era to now outnumbering men in university programs. Through the personal and professional accounts of 29 women archaeologists in Ontario, these stories highlight their contributions to the discipline's growth. Their accounts document the shift from mere artifact curation to a highly regulated profession, mirroring broader social and legal advancement in egalitarianism and women's rights. With intellectual prowess and overcoming physical hardships of the field with humor and perseverance, these women provide honest reflections on obstacles, families, mentors, current industry concerns, and the future of archaeology.