Interview with Deborah Cox

Deborah has been president of The Public Archeology Laboratory Inc. (PAL) since its founding in 1982. Based in Pawtucket, PAL provides historic preservation services in the fields of archaeology and historic architectural survey, including regulatory compliance, historic tax credits, cultural landscape studies, cemetery investigations, HABS/HAER/HALS & state level documentation, expert testimony, and educational programs. Deborah has more than 40 years of experience in the field of cultural resource management throughout the United States and abroad. She has a B.A. in History and Education from Rhode Island College and an M.A. in Anthropology from Brown University.

1. Can you explain who your clients are and how you help them?

Our clients include corporations, government entities, private developers, historic organizations, and educational institutions. Many of our clients have to comply with the National Historic Preservation Act and take into account the effects of their projects on cultural resources, therefore we survey their project areas to identify archaeological sites and historic properties. We assist clients with successfully navigating the historic preservation process so their projects can get built. Some government agencies need our assistance in identifying the range of archaeological sites and historic properties they own, or City and Town governments want an inventory of important places and buildings. Historic organizations, especially those that manage historic properties often ask for our help in interpreting and researching the history of their properties. We also have a robust educational program overseen by our Laboratory and Collections Manager – just ask her about Snowtown!

2. With greater attention being put on inclusion and telling the full history of people and places, how has your work changed in recent years?

We have always worked closely with Native American tribes and other descendant communities in the region. However more recently the focus is on greater inclusion of other ways of knowing history.

3. Education has been an important component of PAL's work—teaching grade school to graduate students, as well as the general public. What do you think are the best ways to engage people to care about the past?

Helping people to understand the diverse histories of their own neighborhoods encourages them to be good stewards of their own past. It is encouraging to see the enthusiasm of the school groups that come to PAL, no matter their age which indicates to me that preservation will remain an important part of our culture. [Forward into the Past]

4. Your headquarters are in the historic To Kalon Club in Pawtucket and includes an extensive research library and fully-staffed laboratory. Tell us more about the research that goes on at PAL.

We take great pride in the depth and breadth of the knowledge our staff has, many of whom have been at PAL for more than 30 years. We utilize historical archives, genealogical data, oral histories, and historic maps. We curate extensive collections that the staff access and that also are available to other researchers.

5. Do you have a favorite historical site you like to visit in Rhode Island?

Well, I do like going to work in this historic building! Honestly, I think that RI is a beautiful state (I am a Rhode Islander) and there are too many natural areas that have historic significance and buildings with special historic architecture to choose just one.