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. ### -- 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]