The Boerne Brew – Hill Country Archaeological Association

103.9 FM Boerne Radio | Host: Jeff Flynn, Managing Editor, Boerne Star

Guests: Kelly Skovberg (President, HCAA) & Richard Tomlinson (Board Member, HCAA)

Summary:

Jeff Flynn sits down with Kelly Skovberg and Richard Tomlinson from the Hill Country Archaeological Association (HCAA) to explore what real archaeology looks like in the Texas Hill Country. They discuss an active multi-component dig site near Hunt along the North Fork of the Guadalupe River — dating back over 10,000 years — including fascinating finds like obsidian traced to Idaho, St. Mary's Hall points, and earth ovens. They also cover the HCAA's survey of the historic Wren Cemetery in Boerne, what it means to be an avocational archaeologist, and how everyday landowners can get the organization involved on their property. The episode closes with exciting news about a new permanent lab space at the Sisterdale Sanctuary with the Cibolo Center for Conservation.

Timeline:

0:00 – Introduction: Jeff Flynn welcomes Kelly Skovberg & Richard Tomlinson; debunking Indiana Jones & dinosaur-dig misconceptions

1:02 – What is archaeology? Paleo-Indians, the Hunt/Guadalupe River dig site, and its 10,000+ year history

1:59 – Describing the terrace site: access to water, chert for tools, ideal conditions for nomadic groups

4:25 – Trade networks: obsidian traced to Idaho found at the site; the Archaic Period (~4,000–5,000 years ago)

6:05 – Scope of archaeology: from Paleo-Indian to historic sites; the Wren Cemetery survey for a Texas historic marker

7:00 – Arrowheads vs. atlatls: correcting common myths; megafauna hunting and early weapons

8:03 – Origins of the first Americans: land bridge theory vs. evidence of 20,000–25,000-year-old settlements

9:54 – HCAA's approach on private land: no artifact collecting, anonymity for landowners, returning lithics after cataloging

10:56 – Lab curation & pattern recognition: radiocarbon dating, the St. Mary's Hall point + buffalo bone find

12:52 – Kelly's origin story: lifelong passion for digging ("Mud Hen"), connecting with HCAA before retirement

13:27 – Richard's origin story: holding ancient tools, Carlsbad Caverns cliff paintings, feeling connected to early humans

15:08 – Earth ovens explained: layering rocks & plant matter (sotol, lechuguilla); communal cooking & social organization

16:43 – Nomadic life: moving with food sources, no permanent tribes, inter-group communication and trade

17:37 – How a dig begins: burn rock middens, surveying the mound, and the step-by-step excavation process

19:12 – Excavation method: hand-digging 6+ feet, screening dirt, cataloging finds for scientific record

19:58 – Looting vs. archaeology: why picking up arrowheads destroys scientific value

20:50 – How to contact HCAA: hcarcheology.org / connect@hcarcheology.org

21:44 – Memorable finds: Kelly's first scraper; Richard's near-perfect St. Mary's Hall point

23:26 – How to join HCAA: no credentials required; operating across 7 Hill Country counties

24:21 – New permanent lab at Sisterdale Sanctuary (Cibolo Center for Conservation): public access, outreach, and hands-on education

26:15 – Closing: call to action for landowners; thanks and sign-off