Staff profile

John Tracy (JT) Patton, B.A.

Cultural Resource Technician

What do you do at Southern Research?

I have the position that I've always wanted, that is, field and laboratory technician. I've spent most of my career in the field and thoroughly enjoy excavating , however, I've always felt that I was getting only half the picture. To be able to work on such a wonderful project (Leake) then to follow the data into the lab and help with the processing and analysis is a dream come true for me.

How did you become interested in Archaeology?

I grew up on a farm not far from the Ocmulgee River where potsherds and projectile points were constantly being exposed on the surface of the ground. My parents encouraged me to take some of the artifacts to nearby South Georgia College, where Chris Trowell and Frankie Snow were very patient with me and got me interested in a career in Archaeology.

What do you particularly like about your work and the people you work with?

The best thing about this job is the intellectual stimulation. There is so much to learn and archaeology brings together knowledge from other sciences. To me, the work is never boring. The next best thing about the job is the people you work with. The occupation attracts creative, thinking people. The great majority of the people I've worked with over the years have been the kind of folks you would want for friends and neighbors.

Any hobbies?

Reading, fishing, camping, canoeing, gardening, vermicomposting, pottery, and going to bluegrass festivals.

And what's the neatest thing you've ever found?

I've been fortunate to work on so many good sites over the years that it would be impossible to single out one artifact or feature to name as a favorite.