Solheim Foundation


Wilhelm G. Solheim II Foundation for Philippine Archaeology, Inc.
Index Philippine Archaeology About Bill Solheim President's Page Quarterly Bulletin Bill's latest book Message Board Online Publications Join Us! Picture Gallery Links UP-ASP IPPA 2006	Purpose The purpose of the Wilhelm G. Solheim II Foundation for Philippine Archaeology, Inc. (Solheim Foundation) is to foster both fieldwork and research in Philippine archaeology. For the first few years of the foundation the purpose is more restricted, i.e. to set up a research station in connection with the archaeological site of the Ille Rock Shelter and Cave and several other similar sites in northern Palawan. Developing this research station for both a field school in prehistoric archaeology and facilities for advanced research on not only archaeology but also biology, soils, geology, climatology and all those subjects entering into the total ecology of the area for the past and present. As this research station develops, it will be the model for similar research stations scattered throughout the Philippines, as the needs and funds develop. A considerable infrastructure is needed for the research station, including the development of a simple road into the site from the main, nearby road, buildings for students and staff, both local and international, a permanent laboratory to provide for on-site research and illustration on materials recovered in excavations, security needs, excavation equipment, library, and a small museum and facilities to handle tourist interest in the several known and many as yet unknown sites in the area. These facilities will be made available to international and local graduate students doing research for their Masters and Ph.D. degrees at marginal cost. Endowment funds should be accumulated to offer some financial help to bring such students to the area and to help provide partial support for visiting scholars and professionals who wish to do research there. Other than beginning exploratory excavations started in early 1998 and continuing every year since, there has been little work and development on the Ille Rock Shelter site as yet. There has been off-site development in terms of a permanent home for the founder of the foundation, Wilhelm G. Solheim II and his wife, on the west coast of Palawan. This home and the land (1.2 hectares) will become the property of the Foundation, with the stipulation that Solheim and his wife will retain domicile rights for the duration of their natural lives. Further development of the field station is needed to make it available for the anticipated VIP visitors and students, researchers and staff of the research and field school. Bill Solheim’s personal materials and collections from the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia will stay with the house that should eventually evolve into a museum and office. A dormitory for researchers and visiting members shall be developed within the property. Publications The Solheim Foundation shall be a membership affiliation for organizations and individuals, whether Filipino or other nationality, who are interested to support the discovery, study and publication of Philippine and Southeast Asian prehistory. The first set of members shall be the incorporators and founding members. Later, the foundation shall embark in a campaign to broaden its membership to include scientists, researchers and students that participate in the foundation projects. To keep the membership abreast with developments in the Foundations’ work and in the relevant works of members, the Solheim Foundation shall make and regular issue a publication that shall be shared with all members in electronic or printed formats. Website Updates on the development and on projects of the Solheim Foundation and other news and information about Archaeology of the Philippines will be frequently posted on our website. Please visit us from time to time. Projects The Foundation through its members and officers shall continue to develop projects and seek funding support for these.
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Wilhelm G. Solheim II Foundation for Philippine Archaeology, Inc.

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IPPA 2006

Purpose

The purpose of the Wilhelm G. Solheim II Foundation for Philippine Archaeology, Inc. (Solheim Foundation) is to foster both fieldwork and research in Philippine archaeology. For the first few years of the foundation the purpose is more restricted, i.e. to set up a research station in connection with the archaeological site of the Ille Rock Shelter and Cave and several other similar sites in northern Palawan. Developing this research station for both a field school in prehistoric archaeology and facilities for advanced research on not only archaeology but also biology, soils, geology, climatology and all those subjects entering into the total ecology of the area for the past and present. As this research station develops, it will be the model for similar research stations scattered throughout the Philippines, as the needs and funds develop.

A considerable infrastructure is needed for the research station, including the development of a simple road into the site from the main, nearby road, buildings for students and staff, both local and international, a permanent laboratory to provide for on-site research and illustration on materials recovered in excavations, security needs, excavation equipment, library, and a small museum and facilities to handle tourist interest in the several known and many as yet unknown sites in the area. These facilities will be made available to international and local graduate students doing research for their Masters and Ph.D. degrees at marginal cost. Endowment funds should be accumulated to offer some financial help to bring such students to the area and to help provide partial support for visiting scholars and professionals who wish to do research there.

Other than beginning exploratory excavations started in early 1998 and continuing every year since, there has been little work and development on the Ille Rock Shelter site as yet. There has been off-site development in terms of a permanent home for the founder of the foundation, Wilhelm G. Solheim II and his wife, on the west coast of Palawan. This home and the land (1.2 hectares) will become the property of the Foundation, with the stipulation that Solheim and his wife will retain domicile rights for the duration of their natural lives.

Further development of the field station is needed to make it available for the anticipated VIP visitors and students, researchers and staff of the research and field school. Bill Solheim’s personal materials and collections from the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia will stay with the house that should eventually evolve into a museum and office. A dormitory for researchers and visiting members shall be developed within the property.

Publications

The Solheim Foundation shall be a membership affiliation for organizations and individuals, whether Filipino or other nationality, who are interested to support the discovery, study and publication of Philippine and Southeast Asian prehistory. The first set of members shall be the incorporators and founding members. Later, the foundation shall embark in a campaign to broaden its membership to include scientists, researchers and students that participate in the foundation projects. To keep the membership abreast with developments in the Foundations’ work and in the relevant works of members, the Solheim Foundation shall make and regular issue a publication that shall be shared with all members in electronic or printed formats.

Website

Updates on the development and on projects of the Solheim Foundation and other news and information about Archaeology of the Philippines will be frequently posted on our website. Please visit us from time to time.

Projects

The Foundation through its members and officers shall continue to develop projects and seek funding support for these.