*Join RVArchaeology* Nearly 100 concerned citizens convened at the Richmond Public Library on Saturday, March 29th for an educational symposium titled “Before It’s Too Late” that addressed the need to protect Richmond's archaeological resources. Amid recent public interest in Richmond’s historical and cultural resources, the day long symposium concluded with attendees agreeing that a working group should be formed to encourage wide-spread support for a *community archaeology*, an initiative that would include participation from archaeologists, historical preservationists, historians, and the lay public. The following announcement is a response to the symposium’s call for this “next step”. An initial meeting will be held on *Saturday, May 3rd at 10 a.m. at The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia located at 00 Clay St. in Historic Jackson Ward* for people interested in forming a “Friends” group. The group seeks to increase public awareness and appreciation of archaeology in Richmond and create volunteer opportunities for those who share a commitment to preserve Richmond’s historical and cultural resources by exploring ways to expand archaeology in the City of Richmond. This interest/organizational meeting will establish: 1) the mission and goals of the group; 2) criteria for membership and benefits; 3) recruitment procedures; and 4) the election of a steering committee. *Interested members of the public are encouraged to attend and submit logo designs to [log in to unmask] <http:[log in to unmask]>by Thursday, April 30, 2014. * Please be advised that the *USA Cycling Collegiate National Road Championships* will be held in downtown Richmond May 2-4th. We recommend that you plan ahead and consider carpooling, taking a GRTC bus, walking or biking, especially if you're travelling from the North. Free parking is available in the Museum's parking lot behind the building via the alley. Click *HERE <http://www.richmondgov.com/police/images/SaturdayRaceCloseUp.jpg>* for a map of the bike race or go to www.richmondgov.com/police/. For more information on the meeting and to* RSVP*, contact: Ellen Chapman, Kim Allen or Terry Brock at [log in to unmask] (or by simply responding to this message). For more information on NEXT STEPS, see the website at www.RichmondArchaeology.webs.com <http://www.richmondarchaeology.webs.com/> /. ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html