Columbia Conversations is a podcast that highlights authors, historians, archivists and others working to preserve and share the history of Washington state and the Pacific Northwest.On this episode, host Feliks Banel speaks with amateur mountaineer Bob Mead about an archaeological artifact Mr. Mead discovered at Mt. Rainier National Park 40 years ago. We learn what Mr. Mead should have done when he first found it, and what you should do if you find yourself in a similar situation. We also talk to Pacific Lutheran University Professor Bradford Andrews about what this and other artifacts can tell us about the pre-history of the place now known as Washington.For information about what to do if you find an archaeological artifact:Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservationhttps://dahp.wa.gov/If you have an artifact that belongs in a proper repository:Burke Museum of Natural History and Culturehttp://www.burkemuseum.org/research-and-collections/culture/services-and-policies/artifact-identificationFor more information or to subscribe to COLUMBIA Magazine:www.washingtonhistory.orgColumbia Conversations is a production of COLUMBIA Magazine, a publication of the Washington State Historical Society.