Division welcomes archaeologist Stephanie Soder
On Jan. 6, 2020, archaeologist Stephanie Soder joined the staff of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ State Historic Preservation Office as a cultural preservation specialist. Based at the division’s main office at 21 The Green in Dover, Soder is assisting the agency in its stewardship and protection of the state’s archaeological resources through a variety of responsibilities including consulting with federal, state and local agencies and applicants concerning the effects of their projects on historic properties; reviewing archaeological work involving the identification, evaluation and treatment of sites; and participating in public outreach activities.
Prior to joining the division, she worked as an archaeological technician for Dovetail Cultural Resource Group in Fredericksburg, Va.; as a crew chief and technician for Commonwealth Heritage Group in West Chester, Pa.; as an archeology intern for the Maryland Historical Trust; and in Saipan as a researcher studying the experience of the indigenous residents of that island in American internment camps during and after World War II.
Originally from Delta, Pa., Soder holds a master’s degree in maritime studies (archaeology) from East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in anthropology from York College of Pennsylvania. As part of her studies, she participated in field-school projects at a wide variety of locations including Belize, Bermuda and Ireland, as well as volunteer service in Cambodia. She currently resides in Charlestown, Md.