معرفی
Ben Ford is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Anthropology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), where he has served since 2009 and as department chair since 2017. He specializes in maritime archaeology, focusing on the Great Lakes and maritime cultural landscapes, as well as historical archaeology of Western Pennsylvania's frontier period. His research emphasizes community-engaged projects, such as the Heritage Futures initiative, which seeks to address historical injustices through heritage management. Ford has received numerous accolades, including IUP’s Distinguished University Professor Award (2023–24) and the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology Mason Award. His work bridges scholarship, service, and teaching, with a focus on student mentorship and local community impact.
His research spans maritime heritage preservation, African American settlements in Pennsylvania, and collaborative projects with Indigenous communities. He co-founded a book series on restorative justice through archaeology and led excavations of Lake Erie shipwrecks and the African American cemetery near Harrisburg. Ford actively involves students in fieldwork and publishing, earning him the IUP High Impact Practice Award for undergraduate research opportunities.
Professional service includes roles on the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Board, Society for Historical Archaeology, and Indiana Borough Council. His legacy includes expanding anthropology’s role at IUP through initiatives like the Cultural Competencies Certificate and Open Education Resources. Ford advocates for regional universities to drive socially conscious research, leveraging community partnerships to foster equitable heritage practices.
