The 2018 Annual Meeting, held on March 24, 2018 at Farmington High School, 10 Montieth Drive, Farmington, CT, was highlighted by the presence of Dr. Christa M. Beranek, Research Scientist at the Andrew Fiske Memorial Center for Archaeological Research at the University of Massachusetts, as alluded to in the Annual Meeting Flyer which can be viewed by clicking 2018 Meeting Flyer.

Dr. Beranek's talk was interesting, touching not only on the historical (and mythological) aspects of the Plymouth landings and settlements, but also on what's been found thus far and the challenges of excavating in areas where settlements have existed for several centuries, with one settlement being built atop previous ones. Not only is there the variety of artifacts from several settlement periods, but the landscape itself has been significantly altered over the years. Excavating in areas currently being used is, as might be expected, also a challenge for both excavators and residents.

There are a number of online references to the excavation work at Burial Hill. A 2014 abstract on the work can be found at 2014 Abstract, from which the full report can be accessed.

For a brief biographical sketch of Dr. Beranek from the Fiske Center for Archaeological Research website, please click Dr. Beranek.

For information on the Fiske Center, please click Fiske Center.

> To access the Program accompanying this meeting, please click 2018 Meeting Program.

Preceding this was the "business" portion of the meeting. Highlights include:

> Recording Secretary Mike Cahill provided a year-in-review report on FOSA's 2017 activities.

> Dreda Hendsey presented the 2017 Treasurer's Report.

> Brian Jones spoke of his work this past year, with emphasis on the wide-ranging nature of the activities of the Office of State Archaeology (OSA).

> Lee West spoke of the activities of the Archaeological Society of Connecticut this past year, with emphasis on the increasing role that the ASC has in being an information resource for Connecticut.

> Scott Brady presented this year's Nominations for the Board of Directors to the FOSA membership in the audience. All were approved.

> This year was an unusual dual Certificates Achievement Award presentation, with one going to Scott Brady for his efforts as Volunteer Coordinator work throughout the organization; and a special award being presented to Don Rankin by the Friends of Hammonasset for his work with that organization. Facsimilies of Scott's and Don's certificates can be viewed this web site by clicking Certificates of Appreciation.

> This was Mandy's last Annual Meeting as FOSA President, as that role is being taken over by Scott Brady whose nomination (along with other Board members') was confirmed during the meeting. A picture of Mandy's ceremonial "passing of the gavel" to Scott can be found in the pictures taken of the meeting.

Images in this section courtesy of Jerry Tolchin and Jim Hall.