Joe Downer serves as a Senior Archaeologist at Marstel-Day supporting archaeology projects for various Federal and state clients. Prior to joining Marstel-Day, Joe worked as an archaeologist at George Washington’s Mount Vernon where he managed staff and volunteers on investigations across Washington’s vast plantation landscape. Major projects included a full-scale survey of the African American Cemetery, studies of Washington’s North and South Groves, Mansion Cellar, Stable, Upper and Lower Gardens, and East Lawn. Joe’s research interests include the historical archaeology of North America and the Pacific, and the archaeology of the African Diaspora, enslavement and resistance.

Joe holds a B.A. in History from George Mason University and a M.A. in Anthropology from The George Washington University. He also holds professional certifications in GIS from Michigan State University, in addition to certifications from Geophysical Survey Systems (GSSI) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).