Announcing our two 2021 Keyes-Orr Award Winners!

The IAS announced and congratulated two individuals for this year’s Keyes-Orr Award at our virtual spring meeting on Saturday, May 22. A heartfelt congratulations to both Al Becker and Kathy Gourley!

Every year, this award is presented to 1-2 individuals in recognition of outstanding service to the IAS and in the research, reporting, and preservation of Iowa’s prehistoric and historic heritage.

Al Becker and Myles Kupka screening soil at site 13WH111
Al Becker and Myles Kupka screening soil at site 13WH111; Fall 1994

Al and Kathy were each nominated by multiple IAS members for their incredible contributions to archaeology and preservation in Iowa, and these two have a particular focus on the preservation of Fort Atkinson in Winneshiek County, northeast Iowa.

Dave Drake, Kathy Gourley, and Randy Faber at site 13LE110 in 1993
Dave Drake, Kathy Gourley, and Randy Faber at site 13LE110 in 1993

You can read their nomination letters in the images below (not screen reader compatible) or download the PDF.

  • 2021 Keyes-Orr Nomination Letter page 1
  • 2021 Keyes-Orr Nomination Letter page 2
  • 2021 Keyes-Orr Nomination Letter page 3
  • 2021 Keyes-Orr Nomination Letter page 4
  • 2021 Keyes-Orr Nomination Letter page 5