Cultural Resources Management at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, led by Jessica Guilianelli, focuses on preserving the historical and archaeological sites within the base. This initiative, shaped since 1990 into the integrated cultural resources management plan, underscores the importance of understanding and protecting the past while fostering environmental stewardship. Discoveries like ancient pottery and tools illuminate the lives of previous inhabitants, highlighting the site’s rich history amid contemporary military activities.
Cultural Resources Management (CRM) is akin to a modern-day guardian, tasked with the noble duty of preserving the echoes of our past while nurturing the environment of today. At the heart of this mission at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point lies Jessica Guilianelli, the cultural resources manager devoted to safeguarding the ancient relics and historical sites nestled within the air station’s boundaries and beyond. Since its inception in 1990, a structured approach has mapped out the path for installations to protect historic treasures through initiatives like the archaeological resources plan, now updated to the integrated cultural resources management plan. Despite the evolution of terminology, the essence remains unaltered—each installation must devise a strategy to honor and maintain its archaeological and historical distinctiveness. Among the verdant greens and bustling activities of MCAS Cherry Point, lies the rich tapestry of history, woven with fragments of pottery, ceramics, and small stone tools, some dating back to the early woodland period between 1000 B.C. and 1650 A.D. One might regard these as mere relics, but together they unveil an extraordinary narrative of ancient inhabitants—their ways of life, their tenacity, their culinary arts, and how they tamed the land. According to Guilianelli, “I think it’s really important to know who was here before us and know what kind of activities were happening here. … I think it’s a really cool dichotomy, knowing what was here before and now we have fifth generation aircraft.” Here, the convergence of past and present creates a stunning contrast, enriching the understanding of our environment. Though these archaeological wonders lay hidden beneath the earth, the responsibility to protect this fragile heritage falls on everyone at Cherry Point. Guilianelli emphasizes, “It’s my job to protect these sites and make sure that they stay in place as they are… being a good steward of the environment around you is the best thing.” Each step taken by those on the base should be deliberate, leaving minimal trace to honor the silent stories that lie beneath. Through a collaborative effort, the commitment to cultural resource management not only honors history but fosters a profound appreciation for the environment, ensuring that these vital stories are preserved for generations to come.
Cultural Resources Management plays a pivotal role in conserving historical and archaeological resources within military installations. Given the immense natural landscapes often surrounding these sites, the charge to protect the cultural heritage becomes a blend of history and environmental stewardship. This responsibility has been formalized since 1990, evolving from the archaeological resources plan to the integrated cultural resources management plan, encapsulating the overarching duty to safeguard the past amid contemporary military operations. MCAS Cherry Point exemplifies this commitment with its rich history embedded in its soil, acting as a living archive of human experience and interaction with the land.
In essence, Cultural Resources Management at MCAS Cherry Point serves as a vital bridge connecting the present to the past. Under Jessica Guilianelli’s vigilant stewardship, the air station becomes not just a training ground for modern Marines but also a revered sanctuary for ancient histories. By embedding the responsibility of care into daily practices, the commitment to protecting both the environment and historical treasures thrives, ensuring that future generations will inherit not just artifacts but stories of those who came before them.
Original Source: www.dvidshub.net
