Edward B. Jelks

Edward Baker Jelks (September 10, 1922 – December 22, 2021) was an American archaeologist trained as a prehistorian yet known for his contributions to historical archaeology and leadership roles in multiple anthropological organizations, including the Society for Historical Archaeology and the Society of Professional Archaeologists.

Early life Born in Macon, Georgia on September 10, 1922, Jelks spent his early years (1923–1930) in the Hollywood, Florida area. He moved to Texas in 1930, where he made his home until moving to Illinois in 1968.

Jelks completed a Bachelor of Arts in English (his pre-war minor) and continued to work toward a Master of Arts (MA) in anthropology. There his coursework focused on North American archaeology and prehistory, specifically that of Texas. In 1950, Jelks, having fulfilled the requirements for the MA program except his thesis, was hired by Robert Stephenson as his assistant in the River Basin Surveys program. Jelks completed his thesis and received his MA in 1952. in Hill County, Texas led Jelks to conduct library research to identify trade goods that were found. This process, one of looking for documented historic sites and locating them in the field, began to characterize Jelks' research. Jelks served as its second president in 1968. (early 20th century) at Likiep Atoll in Micronesia, and America's first dude ranch, the Bar-B-C Dude Ranch (established in 1912), in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.

Retirement and death Jelks retired from academic life in 1983.

Honors Jelks was honored with the Society for Historical Archaeology's J. C. Harrington Award in 1988 for his contributions to the discipline of historical archaeology.

His other awards and honors include: Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) U. S. representative to the Pan American Institute of Geography and History (an agency of the Organization of American States) Clarence H. Webb Award for Outstanding Contributions to Caddoan Archaeology Curtis D. Tunnell Award for Lifetime Achievement in Texas Archaeology With John L. Cotter, the Historic Preservation Award of the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (now Preservation Virginia) Illinois Archaeological Survey's Career Achievement Award Society of Professional Archaeologists' (SOPA) Distinguished Service Award Register of Professional Archaeologists' (RPA) Distinguished Service Award