October, 2015 AAM Calendar of Events
Following are this year's scheduled events. This calendar is NOT intended to be a FOSA-only facility; instead, it will contain links to a wide variety of archaeological, historical, and interpretive societies' events, with links to their web sites where more detailed information can be gained. In this way, too, our hope is to spread knowledge of the groups and their activites beyond their normal audience.
| OF NOTE: In this page there are many regional walks sponsored by The Last Green Valley (TLGV) National Heritage Corridor, the website for which you can access by clicking thelastgreenvalley.org. | ALSO: TLGV has just released its Walktober brochure to celebrate the 25th year of autumn
activities in the National Heritage Corridor. NOTE: This PDF is no longer available online. | To access all of October's events in this The Last Green Valley brochure,
NOTE: This PDF is no longer available online. |
• Nick Bellantoni Lecture: "Revolutionary War Archaeology in Connecticut"
When: Thursday, October 1, 7:00 PM
Where: Bolton Historical Society, Bolton Town Hall, 222 Bolton Center Road, Bolton, CT 06043
Cost: Free and open to the public
For additional information please check the Bolton Historical Society's web site by clicking
• Hammonasset Festival THIS YEAR'S HAMMONASSET
FESTIVAL HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER AND RELATED SAFETY CONCERNS
When: Saturday October 3 thru Sunday October 4 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Where: Meigs Point, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, CT
What: This popular event honors Native American culture and tradition and celebrates our natural
world. Returning for multiple performances each day will be the talented and award winning Native American
recording artist Arvel Bird (Paiute) and the Native Nations Dance Troupe led by Erin Meeches (Schaghticoke).
Allan Saunders (Mohegan) will lead an opening blessing and smudging ceremony each morning at 10:30AM.
Authentic Native American arts and crafts will be available for purchase, including beadwork,
gourd art and wood carvings, wampum jewelry and knotted jewelry, clothing and accessories,
and much more. Non-profit museums and learning centers will present cultural and
educational exhibits and demonstrations and will be offering books for sale.
> The New England Atlatl Championships will take place during the festival. Public participation is
available for those wanting to learn an ancient skill. Flintknapping and archaeology exhibits will
be available for viewing. Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, the World Atlatl Association
and the Museum of Natural History at Uconn will also have displays.]
> A Place Called Hope, a Killingworth based
wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility, will offer live raptor shows each day at 2:00 PM in the Discovery
Tent.
> The Meigs Point Nature Center will offer live reptile shows both days, and will exhibit along with Ansonia
Nature Center (Saturday only.)
>Environmental and nature groups including the Shoreline Greenway Trail, Shoreline Outdoor Education Center,
Coast Guard Auxiliary, Connecticut Audubon, Menunkatuck Audubon, and Sierra Club will have exhibits. Trout
Unlimited will offer fly casting to attendees both days. Vendors will be on-site preparing and serving a variety
of foods, including traditional and contemporary Native American cuisine.
Cost: Admission to the Fair is $5/person; children under 12 are admitted free. There is free admission
to the Park and parking at the event site is free as well. Handicapped parking is available. Pets are not
permitted in the event area.
For additional information, access the Festival web site by clicking
Friends of Hammonasset.
• Irish Heritage Walk - sponsored by The Last Green Valley (TLGV) and Thread City Development
When: Saturday October 3, 2015, 10:00AM
Where: 411 Main St., Windham (Willimantic), CT
What: Step back in time and walk in the footsteps of Willimantic's first immigrant workers. Irish
people started arriving to the area in the 1840s. They built dams, churches, the railroads, and worked their way
up the social and political ladder. You will visit key locations and hear their stories. The walk will take about
1.5 hours and cover about 1.5 miles.
Directions/Parking: Meet across from the Windham Textile & History Museum, in Windham
Mills Heritage State Park (by the Irish Memorial Bench).
To access the Windham Textile and History Museum ("The Mill Museum") web site, please click
millmuseum.org.
For additional information call 860-336-7049.
• The Rails, The River, The City - sponsored by The Last Green Valley (TLGV) and CT Eastern Railroad Museum
When: Saturday October 3, 2015, 10:30AM
Where: 55 Bridge Street, Windham (Willimantic), CT
What: Learn about the railroads, the river that powered the mills and the heritage of Willimantic as a great center
of commerce in the region. Optional: Tour the museum or take a train ride after for an additional cost. The walk will take about
1.5 hours and cover about 1.5 miles.
Directions/Parking: Drive on the gravel road beside the tracks about 0.5 miles to the greeter.
To access the CT Eastern Railroad Museum web site, please click
cteastrailroad.org/..
For additional information call 860-617-3308.
• Great Falls of the Skungamaug & Wright's Mill - sponsored by The Last Green Valley (TLGV) and Coventry Historical Society
When: Saturday October 3, 2015, 1:00PM
Where: Strong Porter Museum, 2382 South St., Coventry, CT.
What: Take a walk around the Great Falls of the Skungamaug River, used to generate power for Elijah Wright's Grist and
Saw Mill, and electricity in the 20th century. Learn the history, see the beautiful river gorge, stone work, Gardener's
Castle, Macleod's water wheel, and some of the equipment that made it all work. The walk will take about 2 hours and cover about 1/4 mile.
To access the Coventry Historical Society's web site, please click
Ctcoventryhistoricalsociety.org..
For additional information call 860-712-4278.
• Walking Tour of East Plymouth, CT
When: Saturday October 3, 2015, 2:00PM
Where: Meet at St. Matthew's Cemetery near the intersection of East Plymouth Road and Marsh Road
What: This little village is on the National Register of Historic Places. During the Revolutionary
War, its residents sided with the mother country of England, and were loyal to their King and their religion,
the Anglican Church. They were constantly harassed by the Sons of Liberty for their beliefs. One individual,
Moses Dunbar, was hung for treason in Hartford while his pregnant wife was made to watch. Come discover a
different perspective on the American Revolution from what you may have learned in school!
Cost: The walk is free and includes a tour of the cemetery which dates to 1794.
For additional information email the Plymouth Historical Society at:
plymouth.historical@yahoo.com or call 860-921-6118.
Reservations requested but not required.
• Hop River: Mill Village and Rail Trail - sponsored by The Last Green Valley (TLGV) and CT Eastern Railroad Museum
When: Sunday October 4, 2015, 10:30AM
Where: Hop River Rd., Coventry, CT.
What: Learn about the railroads, the river that powered the mills and the heritage of Willimantic as a great center
of commerce in the region. Optional: Tour the museum or take a train ride after for an additional cost. The walk will take about
1.5 hours and cover about 1.5 miles.
Directions/Parking: Rte. 6 to Hop River Rd. Park at Rail Trail.
To access the CT Eastern Railroad Museum web site, please click
cteastrailroad.org/..
For additional information call 860-617-3308.
• Chamberlin Mill Walktober Event - sponsored by The Last Green Valley (TLGV)
When: Sunday October 4, 2015, 2:00 PM, rain or shine
Where: 286 Old Turnpike Road, Woodstock Valley, CT 06282
What: Explore the neighborhood of a rare long-lived sawmill, learning about the history of the mill
and its neighborhood on the old Center Boston-Hartford Turnpike. Views of remaining millponds and dam along the
Still River, as well as two old foundations in The Nature Conservancy's Still River Preserve.
• Connecticut Gravestone Network Meeting
When: Sunday October 4, 2015, 1:00 PM
Where: 70 Canterbury Street, East Hartford, CT 06108 (the South end Senior Center in East Hartford - use center entrance).
What: Agenda: Future moves, future symposium venues and cemetery visits. Also, Ruthie Brown will be
sharing slides from the June Association for Gravestone Studies (AGS) conference that was held in Westfield Mass.
this past spring. Anyone with slides they would like to share, please bring them on a USB drive or CD.
If you're coming, please RSVP Ruthie Brown by sending her an email at: shapbrown@cox.net.
• NCC Archaeology Club Lecture: Dr. Eugene Boesch Discusses The Revolutionary War Battle of Oriskany in New York
When: Thursday, October 8 8:00 PM (refreshments at 7:30)
Where: Culinary Arts Dining Room, West Campus, Norwalk Community College, 188 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854
What: The Revolutionary War Battle of Oriskany was an integral part of the Saratoga
Campaign, contributing to the defeat of the British Army in Saratoga later that year. This little known battle
was fought on August 6, 1777 in a wooded ravine near the Oneida village of Oriska, close to present day Rome,
N.Y. It is regarded as one of the bloodiest battles of the War for Independence and referred to by a contemporary
Mohawk elder as "a place of great sadness". Recent archaeological work at this site discovered late 18th century
evidence possibly associated with the battle as well as Pre-Contact period remains. Archaeologist Eugene Boesch
joins us to discuss the history of the battle and the findings of the investigation.
The battle pitted settlers and Native Americans loyal to the Crown against neighbors and Natives siding with the
Patriots. To those remaining, the consequences of this divisive event were tragic. The social and physical
repercussions of The Battle of Oriskany were felt throughout the Mohawk Valley for generations.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
For additional information: call Ernie Wiegand at 203-857-7377.
• Lantern Tour of Plymouth, CT Center
When: Saturday, October 10 7:00PM
Where: Meet at 7pm in front of the Congregational Church, 10 Park St., Plymouth.
What: Every year this tour sells out so reserve early! The tour begins in the Congregational
Church where "spooky" music of the season will be played on the powerful pipe organ. From there, we wend our way
through the Plymouth Burying Ground and discover how the symbols and inscriptions on the gravestones provide
clues to life in colonial Connecticut. The walk also includes historic buildings, such as the 1838 Greek Revival
Congregational Church with its original wooden clockworks built by Eli Terry, a house that was on the Underground
Railroad, and a home where George Washington stayed during the Revolutionary War.
The cost is $10 for adults, under 18 free. Part of the proceeds benefit the church's organ restoration fund. All participants receive a full color guide to the village of Plymouth Center and complimentary refreshments at "Antiques at the Green".
Cost: $10 for adults, under 18 free; open to the public.
To register: email the Plymouth Historical Society at: plymouth.historical@yahoo.com or call 860-921-6118.
• The Rails, The River, The City - sponsored by The Last Green Valley (TLGV) and CT Eastern Railroad Museum
When: Saturday October 10, 2015, 1:00PM
Where: 55 Bridge Street, Windham (Willimantic), CT
What: Learn about the railroads, the river that powered the mills and the heritage of Willimantic as a great center
of commerce in the region. Optional: Tour the museum or take a train ride after for an additional cost. The walk will take about
1.5 hours and cover about 1.5 miles.
Directions/Parking: Drive on the gravel road beside the tracks about 0.5 miles to the greeter.
To access the CT Eastern Railroad Museum web site, please click
">https://cteastrailroad.org/">..
For additional information call 860-617-3308.
• Hop River: Mill Village and Rail Trail - sponsored by The Last Green Valley (TLGV) and CT Eastern Railroad Museum
When: Sunday October 11, 2015, 11:30AM
Where: Hop River Rd., Coventry, CT.
What: Learn about the railroads, the river that powered the mills and the heritage of Willimantic as a great center
of commerce in the region. Optional: Tour the museum or take a train ride after for an additional cost. The walk will take about
1.5 hours and cover about 1.5 miles.
Directions/Parking: Rte. 6 to Hop River Rd. Park at Rail Trail..
To access the CT Eastern Railroad Museum web site, please click
cteastrailroad.org/.org..
For additional information call 860-617-3308.
• A Landscape of Change: Archaeology at the Prudence Crandall House
When: Sunday, October 11, 2:00PM to 3:30PM.
Where: Prudence Crandall Museum, 1 South Canterbury Road, Canterbury, CT 06331
What: An illustrated talk by Sarah Sportman, archaeologist with Archaeological and Historical
Services of Storrs, CT.
| To access the Archaeological and Historical Services web site, please click www.ahs-inc.com/ | For additional information please email Kaz Kozlowski at kaz.kozlowski@ct.gov, or call 860-546-7800. |
• Workshop at Down's Cemetery
When: Sunday, October 11, 1:00PM to 4:00PM.
Where: Downs Street, Bristol, CT 06010
What: Hands on workshop at Down's Cemetery (also called South Cemetery). The workshop will be on the
cleaning & straightening of stones. Also, learn how to take pictures of grave stones. Under the guidance of
Ruthie Brown, CT Gravestone Network. Rubbings will not be allowed. Sponsored by the Bristol Cemetery Commission.
Equipment needed: Shovels, rakes, water, and your camera.
Parking: In the lot behind the cemetery.
For additional information: email Mike Sayman at say-man@att.net or access the Bristol
Historical Society by clicking here.
• Brian Jones Speaking Engagement: "Five Things Everyone Should Know About the Native American Archaeology of Connecticut"
When: Tuesday, October 13, 5:30PM reception, 6:30 start of talk.
Where: Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520-8118
What: Join State Archaeologist Brian Jones for a fascinating exploration of Connecticut's pre-history!
Ninety-seven percent of the history of Connecticut occurred prior to the arrival of Europeans, yet this period
is only cursorily covered in the state's secondary school curriculum. In fact, Connecticut provides an important
laboratory for the global study of human adaptation to changing social and natural environments. Five key topics
stand out that everyone in Connecticut should understand about its deep past. These are:
• The colonization of an uninhabited Ice Age landscape,
• The adaptation to post-glacial habitats,
• The development of formalized exchange networks,
• Strategies for feeding a growing population, and
• The development of politically complex societies.
An examination of these topics indicates that the archaeology of the state provides fertile ground for
understanding not only Native American life-ways of the past, but the social, economic and political challenges
shared by many societies around the globe.
> As additional information becomes available, it will be posted here.
> For additional information, please call 203-432-5050.
• James N. Littlefield Speaking Engagement: "From the Ground Up - An Archaeological Perspective"
When: Friday, October 16, 7:00PM.
Where: Niantic Bay Yacht Club, 8 Shore Road, Niantic, CT
What: The East Lyme Historical Society's Fall Potluck Dinner will be held on Friday October 16, 2015,
at the Niantic Bay Yacht Club, 8 Shore Road, Niantic. The evening will begin at 6:00 PM, with a BYOB social hour,
followed by the dinner. Bring an entre or desert to share with old and new friends!
The program speaker is James Littlefield, local historian, former high school teacher on American history
and anthropology, and regular contributor to the Post Road Review.
He will present, "From the Ground Up - An Archaeological Perspective," sharing some of the finds of his
experiences. He will also read some short selections from his most recent book, "History Matters."
Cost: Free and open to the public.
| To access Mr. Littlefield's web site, please click
| For information on the East Lyme Historical Society and other activities,
access their website by clicking |
• 2015 Archaeology Fair
When: Saturday, October 17, 10:00AM to 4:00 PM
Where: Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT
What: Celebrate Archaeology Month and learn about many of the archaeological investigations going on
around the state. Local archaeological societies, historical societies, and universities will have displays
highlighting past and current excavations and research with opportunities to see and touch real artifacts!
Have questions about archaeology? There will be archaeologists on hand to provide answers. Whether you have a
passing interest in archaeology or you want to find out how to become more involved, there will be something for
everyone. Parking is available in the lot next to Burritt Library or in the adjacent parking garage.
The 2015 CT Archaeology Fair will be on the 2nd floor of the Elihu Burritt Library. Bonnie Plourde is the
point of contact. This year's theme is "The Future of Connecticut's Past." Speakers include Jeremy Pilver,
Sarah Sportman, and Bonnie Plourde. There will also be a session of short presentations by students.
Cost: Free with a suggested $5 donation for 18 and over.
| For directions to the Fair, please click Directions. | To view the Flyer for the 2015 Fair, please click Flyer. |
The ASC Fall Meeting will also be held during the Fair. Detailed information on the Meeting, including the speakers and their subjects, can be found near the end of this page by clicking
Additional Fair information will be provided as it becomes available.
• 38th annual walking tour of the Cheney Historic District
When: Saturday, October 17, starts at 1:00PM
Where: Starts at Fuss & O'Neill, 146 Hartford Road (plenty of parking in their lot west of the building).
What: Find out about those huge brick buildings that remain from the days of the world-famous silk
mills. Who worked there? Who owned the mills? Where did workers and owners live? We'll see Cheney Hall, the former silk mills,
the location of the defunct South Manchester Railroad, the Loom exhibit at the former Cheney machine shop,
neighborhoods of worker housing, and the Old Manchester Museum.
> The walk takes about two hours with a distance of a mile or so. No rain date, so bring umbrellas if
weather is iffy. Extreme weather cancels. The walk is free, but donations to the Manchester Historical Society
are welcome.
> To view a map of the District on this web site, please click
> This event is co-sponsored by Manchester Community College and the Manchester Historical Society.
> Commentary by Dr. Chris Paulin of Manchester Community College
• Museum of Connecticut Glass Open House
When: Saturday October 17, 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Where: John Turner House, North River Rd. at the intersection of Rt. 44, Coventry, CT
What: At the free tour, visitors hear about the importance of the glass industry in early America.
Although there is no glass factory to view, the tour conductors do talk about the research that's ongoing to
unearth remains of the glass district.
> For additional information, please click the Glass Museum's
• Nick Bellantoni Lecture: "Historic Weston Underground"
When: Sunday, October 18, 2:00 PM
Where: Weston Public Library, 56 Norfield Road, Weston, CT 06883
Cost: Free and open to the public
For additional information please check the Weston Public Library web site by clicking
• Nick Bellantoni Lecture: "The New England Vampire Folk Belief: The Archaeological Evidence"
When: Tuesday, October 20, 7:00 PM
Where: Kellogg Environmental Nature Center, Osbornedale State Park, 500 Hawthorne Avenue, Derby, CT 06418
What: In 1990 a couple of young boys discovered two skulls at the site of a gravel quarry in eastern
Connecticut. Dr. Nick Bellantoni was called in to investigate what turned out to be a forgotten colonial family
cemetery. One grave in particular caught his eye, connecting the burial to Vampire folklore and a real public
health issue.
Cost: Free and open to the public. Please register since space is limited.
| For additional information please check the Kellogg Environmental Center web site by clicking
|
To register call 203-734-2513 or email Donna Kingston at: donna.kingston@ct.gov. |
• Bill Schultz Lecture: "Salem Below Ground"
When: Thursday October 22, 7:30PM
Where: Salem Town House, 240 Hartford Road in Salem
What: Bill Schultz reports on ground penetrating radar.
Cost: Free and open to the public; donations welcome.
For additional information please send an email to: info@salemhistoricalsocietyct.org.
• Nick Bellantoni to Lead a "Walktober" Walk at Canterbury's Historic Captain John Clark Property
When: Friday October 23, 1:00PM
Where: 370 South Canterbury Road (Route 169), Canterbury, CT 06331
What: The John Clark property in Canterbury features a stunning white historic mansion, stone walls,
and idyllic landscape. After a brief architectural discussion with Ellen Wilson of the Canterbury Historical
Society, Emeritus State Archaeologist Dr. Nick Bellantoni will lead a walk to the Quinebaug River, exploring
the area's geology, history, and indigenous culture. This activity is part of the Last Green Valley National
Heritage Corridor's "Walktober." The walk is approximately one-mile to the river and back and is moderately
strenuous.
Cost: Free for adults and children ages 10 and above.
Note: Space is limited. Advance registration is required.
Please register by calling Ellen Wilson at (860) 546-9346 beginning October 1.
• "Archaeological Discoveries at Block Island and Nipsachuck"
When: Saturday October 24, 10:00AM to noon
Where: Main entrance at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, 110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket, CT 06339
What: Visit the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center for a two hour experience.
> First, archaeologist Kevin McBride will discuss his latest discoveries in Rhode Island, specifically on
Block Island and at the Second Battle of Nipsachuck Site, a King Philip's War Period (1675?6) battlefield in
North Smithfield.
> Next, participants will get a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum's archeology laboratory and view
artifacts recovered from Kevin's investigations.
> Afterward, participants are encouraged to explore the museum at their leisure.
Cost: This event is recommended for those 13 and older, and is free with museum admission.
• Talcottville Archeology and Geology Walk
When: Saturday October 24, 1:00PM
Where: Meet in the parking lot at the Talcottville Congregational Church, 10 Elm Hill Road, Vernon.
What: This three-mile free walk begins in the historic Talcottville section of Vernon and includes a loop through
the Northern CT Land Trust's Talcott Ravine and returns on the Hop River Rail Trail.
> We'll see historic bridges and buildings, the sites of former mills and early fall foliage. This moderately
paced two-hour walk will teach participants about earlier times in the Talcottville area, a mill town on the
National Register of Historic Places.
> Geologically, the walk will start out on the Portland Arkose, take us over the eastern border fault into the
border fault deformed zone, then into the Glastonbury Gneiss, and sand and gravel deposits.
> Speakers include geologist Dr. Gary Robbins, from the University of Connecticut; Gail Faherty, director of
the Northern CT Land Trust; Jon Roe, historian, FOSA member, and webmaster of the
>Some of the terrain is steep and bumpy, so please wear sturdy sneakers or shoes. The hike will be held rain
or shine, but extreme weather cancels. No dogs, please.
> For additional information on the hike route, please click
• "Putnam River Trail's Mill & Rail History" - sponsored by The Last Green Valley (TLGV) and Aspinock Historical Society, Town of Putnam
When: Saturday October 24, 1:00PMto noon
Where: Rotary Park Bandstand, 196 Kennedy Dr., Putnam, CT
What: A Walktober classic, led by Putnam historian Bill Pearsall, you'll take an historical look at the development of mill life along the
Quinebaug River. Learn the history of the town including mills, railroads, and how the 1955 flood changed the community. The hike will take about 1.5 hours and will cover about 2 miles.
For additional information, access the Aspinock Historical Society's web site at putnamaspinockhistsoc.com/ or call
860-928-5947.
• Speaking Engagement: James N. Littlefield, author and re-enactor on his book The Slave Catcher's Woman
When: Wednesday, October 28, 1:00PM.
Where: Old Lyme Senior Center, 26 Town Woods Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371
What: Mr. Littlefield has taught history in Connecticut schools for 47 years. In addition he writes a
monthly history column entitled, "History Matters," which captures the importance history has played over the
years in family life. Jim and his wife, Georgia Lee, have restored two homes from the pre-Civil War period, each
with an accompanying blacksmith shop where Jim has worked at the trade. He is a member of the Connecticut
Blacksmithing Guild. He and his wife participate in Civl War reenactments where he has portrayed a blacksmith
and a disabled Civil War veteran. Most of his presentations now center on Coswell Tims, who inspired the writing
of The Slave Catcher's Woman.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
For additional information call the Senior Center at 860-434-1605 ext 240, Monday-Friday 9:00AM - 3:00PM.
• Brian Jones Speaking Engagement: "An Ice Age Odyssey: The Pope Mastodon's Epic Journey Through Life, Death, Storage Crates and Museums"
When: Wednesday, October 28, 6:00PM.
Where: Institute for American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT 06793
What: In August of 1913, workmen digging a ditch on the Hill-Stead estate of A.A. Pope in Farmington
uncovered the remains of a mastodon. The huge bones were excavated by a crew of scientists from the Yale Peabody
Museum, where the mastodon was taken for conservation and study. Shortly thereafter it ended up in storage back
in Farmington where it was largely forgotten for decades. In the late 1970s, the Institute for American Indian
Studies tracked down the mastodon at Yale, arranged an extended loan, and placed it on exhibit. A decade later,
the mastodon was transferred back to Yale and then the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History at UConn.
Ignored again for decades, the scientific significance of the remains was recently brought back to public
attention when a successful radiocarbon date on a tusk fragment was conducted indicating that "Old Longtooth"
passed away about 14,500 years ago. This talk summarizes the Pope Mastodon's epic journey and his (or her)
continuing importance to understanding Connecticut's ancient environment and history.
For additional information call 860-868-0518.
• Nick Bellantoni Lecture: Vampire Folk Belief in Historic New England
When: Saturday, October 31, 10:00 AM (rain or shine)
Where: Directions will be sent to participants upon registration (see below)
What: In 1990 a couple of young boys discovered two skulls at the site of a gravel quarry in eastern
Connecticut. Dr. Nick Bellantoni was called in to investigate what turned out to be a forgotten colonial family
cemetery. One grave in particular caught his eye, connecting the burial to Vampire folklore and a real public
health issue. This activity is part of the Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor's "Walktober."
Cost: FREE for adults and children ages 12 and above
Note: Space is limited. Advance registration is required.
To register call the Museum at 860-486-6793, to reserve your space.
Note: While this event falls outside Archaeology Awareness Month, and will appear in the normal Upcoming Events page in November, it was felt that mention should be made of it here as well, as a "heads-up" for the event.
• 10th Annual Native American-Archaeology Roundtable: "After the Glacier: First Peopling of Northeastern North America"
When: Saturday, November 21, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Where: Institute for American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT 06793
What: Please join us for another rousing Native American-Archaeology Round Table with
outstanding presentations and panel discussions by New England professional archaeologists and Native American
leadership.
This year's Roundtable will explore the most recent discoveries of early human settlement in the Northeast. Who
were these people? When did they arrive, and from Where? What was life like after the Wisconsin glaciations
receded and the land became habitable? Native American scholars and archaeological specialists in Paleo-Indian
and Early Archaic studies from New York and New England will be discussing these topics and more!
Scheduled speakers and panelists include Mohegan Deputy Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Elaine Thomas;
Schaghticoke elder Trudie Richmond; New Hampshire State Archaeologist Dr. Richard Boisvert; New York State
Museum Curator of Archaeology Dr. Jonathan Lothrop; Public Archaeology Laboratory Principal Investigator Alan
Leveillee; CT State Archaeologist Dr. Brian Jones; CT avocational archaeologist Michael Bouchard; CT
archaeologists Ernest Wiegand, Zachary Singer, and Brianna Rae.
For additional information, access the IAIS web site by clicking
FALL MEETING
Central Connecticut State University
Elihu Burritt Librar - 2nd floor
1615 Stanley Street
New Britain, CT 06053
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Held in conjunction with the Connecticut Archeology Fair, October 17, open 10 am to 4 pm, and presented by
the Friends of the Office of State Archaeology (FOSA) and Central Connecticut State University.
No registration required: Free with a suggested $5 donation for 18 and over.
Visit the Fair! Explore and learn about many of the archaeological investigations going on around the
state. Local archaeological societies, historical societies, and universities will have displays highlighting
past and current excavations and research. View and touch real artifacts! Have questions about archaeology?
There will be archaeologists there to provide answers. Whether you just have a passing interest in archaeology
or you want to find out how to become more involved, there will be something for everyone.
Parking on October 17th is located in the lot next to Burritt Library or in the adjacent parking garage.
Speakers:
11:00 Archaeology at the Walt Landgraf Complex, Barkhamsted, Connecticut
Bonnie Plourde
An archaeological complex dating back to the Terminal Archaic Period sits within the boundaries of Peoples State
Forest in Barkhamsted, Connecticut. In April 2015, the state of Connecticut designated 26 acres around this
complex as an archaeological preserve. The complex includes the Ragged Mountain Rock Shelter, the Walt Landgraf
Soapstone Quarry, and several large quartzite cobbles which have flakes removed from their cores for use his
tools. This paper will discuss the excavation and research performed throughout this complex as well as the
conclusions reached from the data.
12:00 Inspiring Future Archaeologists: Secondary Education and the Role of Archaeology in the Classroom
Jeremy S. Pilver, MA, RPA, Farmington High School, Graduate Student, University of Connecticut
Current educational pedagogy has continually emphasized the importance of students' ability to use learned
content and skills in a variety of real world settings and applications. This can be challenging for teachers to
provide as many practical constraints can interfere, including budgetary, logistical, federal/state mandated
curricula and testing, and even confinement to the classroom setting. Nonetheless, teaching in the Social Studies
naturally lends itself to authentic learning opportunities, particularly so in the fields of anthropology and
archaeology. With a background in historical archaeology and a network of local and state supports (including the
Office of State Archaeology in Connecticut, the Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, and the Farmington
Public Schools Foundation), I set out to bring the field of archaeology to Farmington High School. While I
continually look to expand this program, I have now taught Anthropology and Archaeology Honors to one hundred
and forty students in Farmington over the 5 years the course has been offered. In addition, through communication
with parents, the use of our Farmington High School "9:05 News" program, stories in local newspapers and student
participation in archaeological events around the state, countless other students, members of the school
community, and public, have learned about archaeology. With a renewed emphasis on students becoming "leaders of
their own learning," archaeologists in Connecticut have a unique opportunity to reach out to local school
districts to inform and inspire future generations.
1:00 "Unsavory the Qualities of that Soup": Food and Diet at Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine, East
Granby, Connecticut, 1790-1819
Sarah Sportman, Ph.D.
The Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office contracted Archaeological and Historical Services, Inc.
(AHS) to conduct a multi-phase archeological survey at the National Historic Landmark Old New-Gate Prison and
Copper Mine in East Granby, Connecticut, prior to planned repairs to the ca. 1790 prison guardhouse. Beginning
in 1773, the Old New-Gate copper mine was used as a prison. During the Revolutionary War, the prison housed
criminals, Tories, and POWs. In 1790 Old New-Gate became one of the first state prisons in the United States and
it operated in that capacity until 1827. The prisoners initially worked the mines, although a nailery and other
industries were later established. Healthy prisoners were lodged underground in the tunnels and older and infirm
inmates slept on the ground floor of the guardhouse.
Excavations, conducted around the prison guardhouse in 2013, revealed stratified, state prison-era deposits
dated to 1790-1819. These deposits contained nail-manufacturing debris, architectural items, domestic artifacts,
and over 1300 well-preserved animal bones. This work includes an analysis of the bones, which represent the
vestiges of meals prepared and consumed by inmates and guards. The faunal evidence, contextualized through
overseers' reports and the primary accounts of inmates and visitors, provides insight into the dietary
conditions, food procurement system, corruption, and daily life at one of the nation's oldest prisons.
2:00 Lightning Round
10 to 15 minute presentations by students on local archaeology sites or projects.
Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT
From the North (Massachusetts)
Take 91 South to 84 West to Exit 39A, to Rte. 9 South.
Get off Exit 29 and take a right at the end of the exit ramp onto Ella T. Grasso Boulevard.
At the second traffic light, take a left onto the driveway leading to the Burritt Library and parking lot.
From the Southwest (Stamford/New Haven)
Take 95 North to 91 North to Exit 22 North, to Rte. 9 North.
Follow Rte. 9 North and take Exit 29, Rte. 175.
At the traffic light at the end of the exit ramp, go straight and follow Fenn Road to the second traffic light,
and take a left turn onto Ella T. Grasso Boulevard.
At the third traffic light, take a left onto the driveway leading to the Burritt Library and parking lot.
From the Southeast (Groton/New London)
Take 95 South to Rte. 9 North to Exit 29, Rte. 175.
At the traffic light at the end of the exit ramp, go straight and follow Fenn Road to the second traffic light,
and take a left turn onto Ella T. Grasso Boulevard.
At the second traffic light, take a left onto the driveway leading to the Burritt Library and parking lot.
From the East (Hartford)
Take 84 West to Exit 39A, to Rte. 9 South.
Get off Exit 29 and take a right at the end of the exit ramp onto Ella T. Grasso Boulevard.
At the second traffic light, take a left onto the driveway leading to the Burritt Library and parking lot.
From the West (Danbury/Waterbury)
Take 84 East to Exit 39A, to Rte. 9 South.
Get off Exit 29 and take a right at the end of the exit ramp onto Ella T. Grasso Boulevard.
At the second traffic light, take a left onto the driveway leading to the Burritt Library and parking lot.
