FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TRAVEL AGENT MOONLIGHTS AS AN ARCHAEOLOGIST
WITH THE COMPANY'S PERMISSION

Diane works over at the American Express Travel Agency.  Many have
planned a vacation with her assistance, but few know about her secret
aspiration to be an archaeologist.

Diane Van Matre has been awarded a paid sabbatical by American Express
to spend one month assisting Alutiiq Museum archaeologists with the
excavation of an ancient village.  "I think it's great, it's a lifelong
dream!" said Diane, "Now I will be able to spend more than a day or two
at the site."

The paid sabbatical program at American Express is a benefit designed to
provide, "paid time off from work for active, long-service employees in
good standing who wish to contribute their time, knowledge and personal
involvement to community service or education of others." Full-time
employees, with over ten years of service were eligible to apply.
According to Lynder Festa, Employee Benefits Manager at American
Express' New York office, there were 80 applicants for the paid
sabbatical program, but only 33 were awarded.

Diane submitted an application that cited her Bachelor's degree in
anthropology, explained her current interest in archaeology, and
included a glowing letter of support from the Alutiiq Museum's Deputy
Director Amy Steffian who stated, "Diane has generously volunteered her
time to assist with the museum's community based archaeological programs
over the past two summers, but her full time job at American Express
Travel has made it difficult to participate in all aspects of our
historic preservation projects."

Now Diane will have her chance.  Diane will function as a field
assistant to the archaeologists, who have to excavate the Outlet Site,
an ancient fishing camp on Buskin Lake that is being destroyed by
erosion.  The site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic
Places, contains ancient houses and artifacts that document Alutiiq
culture more than 1,000 years ago.  The work of meticulously recovering
cultural materials will be physically demanding, but Diane doesn't seem
to mind.  She will also spend time in the lab once the excavation is
complete, cleaning and cataloging the artifacts recovered from the site.

If you would like more information about the Alutiiq Museum's Community
Archaeology Program and their volunteer programs, contact the Alutiiq
Museum.

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Christine R. Marasigan, Programs Manager
Alutiiq Museum & Archaeological Repository
215 Mission Road, Suite 101
Kodiak, Alaska 99615
voice:  (907) 486-7004 ext. 7
fax:  (907) 486-7048
email:  [log in to unmask]