If you've been following this blog over the last few years then you may remember my ongoing project of digitizing and archiving the aerial photographs of Brawley native Harry Casey. The project was not just about an archival collection for the Imperial Valley Desert Museum (IVDM), though obviously that was a huge part of it. It was also about highlighting these unique images for everyone to see- not only researchers but visitors, teachers, and archaeology enthusiasts across the globe- in the form of a book. When Harry donated his photographs to the museum, he asked me to edit his research manuscript and help him get it published.
I worked with Harry and Sunbelt Publications for several years to ensure the manuscript met their professional standards, was as accurate as possible, and get it published. Finally, this spring, Harry's dream (and mine!) came true and Geoglyphs of the Desert Southwest: Earthen Art as Viewed from Above was officially released April 13, 2019!
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| with Harry Casey, photographer and co-author |
I traveled back to California for a book launch tour and ended up presenting to six different groups in the San Diego/Imperial Valley region in the space of a week. Harry came out the the IVDM for the official launch and signed books, but was very adamant that I would be the one doing any public speaking, as that has never been something he was comfortable with and his health makes it difficult now.
Being back at the IVDM and sharing the excitement of this project in its final, published form, was amazing. The support shown by the staff, my colleagues, and board members, museum members, visitors, and friends, was one of the first times I really felt that the book was really finish and ready to go out into the world. Besides a wonderful launch at the IVDM I presented to the San Diego Natural History Museum's Family Day, the San Diego Rock Art Association, the San Diego Association of Geologists, and the Colorado Desert Archaeology Society at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Sunbelt Publications also set up an interview for me with KPBS Midday Edition radio host Maureen Cavanaugh.
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| With Maureen Cavanaugh doing an interview for KPBS Midday Edition |
A week touring and promoting the book, helping spread the word about how amazing the deserts and people of Southern California are, was an incredible experience. And more addicting than I expected: I'm already looking for my next research project to write about!
Interested in buying a copy of Geoglyphs of the Desert Southwest? It's available through Amazon.com, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Imperial Valley Desert Museum, or contacting me through email, Twitter, or this blog. Copies bought through me will be signed and I can personalize them if you'd like.
