FOSA Newsletters

To access a newsletter below, click on its "Date" field.

Date	Articles
Spring, 2025	Special articles include: • a summary of the highlights of the 2025 Annual Meeting, including Certificate of Appreciation awards to Lee West and Kathy Walburn; • an article by Ken and Bonnie Beatrice on the role museums can have in furthering awareness of many archaeologically-relevant topics, as well as a review of a visit they made to the newly-renovated Peabody Museum in New Haven, CT; and, • initial information on FOSA Vice President Tom Ford's latest project, this in support of the AM250 celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Fall, 2024	Special articles include: • an article on the latest Cooke Scholarship awardee, Cassie Aimetti; a Remembrance article by Nick Bellantoni about Paul Scannell; an article by Glenda Rose on FOSA's being honored at the Connecticut League of Museum's "Awards of Merit" ceremony;an article by Ken and Bonnie Beatrice concerning investigations on whether Asa Havens is actually interred in East Haddam, CT or whether he was buried at sea; and an article on the 2024 Archaeology Fair.
Spring, 2024	Special articles include: • a Remembrance article about Dreda Hendsey, by Nick Bellantoni; • an article, "New Archaeological Investigations of the Revolutionary War-Era Rochambeau Camp #5, Bolton, Connecticut" • an article, by Tom Ford, "Looking Forward to America250 - A Look Back at Connecticut's Revolutionary Period Artifacts".
Fall, 2023	Special articles include: • an article, "Rochambeau Encampment #5," relating activites associated with the excavation of a section of Nolton Heritage Farm/Park, where the Revolutionary War Rochambeau Encampment #5 is located, where Connecticut high school students were joined by thirteen students from France; • overview of the results of shell-midden analysis by 2022 Cooke Scholarship awardee Matthew Picarelli-Kombert; • a head's-up overview of the next FOSA Continuing Education offering, 'Pre-CLovis - A Critical Assessment'; • an aricle by Jim Hall: "If You See Something, Say Something" on not ignoring odd-looking findings; • and an article by Kathleen Boushee on who the "Agres" in "Agnes Scoops" was.
Spring, 2023	Special articles include: • Another "Road Trip" article from Tom Ford, titled, "The University of Alabama's Moundsville Archaeological Park & The Jones Archaeological Museum, Moundsville, AL; • a Remembrance article about William "Bill" Schultz, by Nick Bellantoni; • and an aticle by FOSA Board member Dr. Patricia Jubinska on archaeological work she was part of in Scotland, at Tor Castle.
Fall, 2022	Special articles include: • Congratulations to FOSA Member Dr. Karl Stofko who was recognized for his dedication in bringing to light the life story of Venture Smith; • a write-up on Hurd's Iron Mountain Magnetic Spring site walk / investigation; • a Reprint of UConn Magazine article on a serendipitous projectile point find at Two Wrasslin' Cats coffee shopand its aftermath; • an overview of the redesign of the FOSA website; • and an article by Tom Ford on archaeological sites in Tennessee.
Spring, 2022	Special articles include: • Introduction of a new "Field Paperwork Review by Scott Brady, describing what goes into each field of the Excavation Level Form; • a Remembrance article of Bruce Greene, by Nick Bellantoni; • a book review of Memento Mori by Glenda Rose; and, • observations by Tom Ford of Poverty Point National Monument in Pioneer, LA, a Late Archaic hunting and foraging way of life that supported an organized community with evidence of widespread trade economy.
Fall, 2021	Special articles include: • A celebration of the life of Don Rankin, by Ken & Bonnie Beatrice; • a description of the remains of the "Aunt Polly" yacht, which can be seen at Gillette Castle State Park, by Bonnie Beatrice.
Spring, 2021	Special articles include: • Information on the 2018 Rocky Hill rescue excavation; • updated FOSA Membershop demographics map; • information on Ryan Hollister's 8-chapter videos on his Revolutionary War veteran ancester John Hollister (accessible in You Tube Videos page by clicking item 101.
Fall, 2020	Special articles include: • Remnembrance of Don Rankin; • the surprising results of a backyard excavation by Lee West; and, • a reprint of Nick Bellantoni's article titled, "Archaeological and Historical Collections: A National Crisis."
Spring, 2020	Special articles include: • An introductory message from the new CT State Archaeologist, Dr. Sarah Sportman; • an Outreach article from the Public Archaeology Day at the Boston Public Library on January 11; • an article from Thomas Ford on a road trip to the Southwest in 2019 to visit archaeological sites.
Fall, 2019	Special articles include: • Several Remembrance articles on the passing of the late CT State Archaeologist, Dr. Brian Jones; • Updates on various excavations: Hill House, Templeton, and Hollister; • Speculation on a possible Hopewell point found in CT and not Ohio; • radiocarbon dates done on Laurel Beach stemmed points; • and the first 2 Cooke Scholarship recipients.
Spring, 2019	Special articles include: • Info on Brian's trip with students to spend two weeks in the village of Seicheprey, France working with local historians to restore a section of trench from World War I • Mae Johnson remembrance; • Update on Templeton Site excavations.
Fall, 2018	Special articles include: • Testimonials for Nick Bellantoni's book on The Long Journeys Home; • Overview of Templeton Site excavation results.
Spring, 2018	Special articles include: • FOSA Excavation Policy announced, also viewable in this website by clicking Excavation Policy; • Honoring Don Rankin.
Fall, 2017	Special articles include: • Brian's new office in Beach Hall; an article by Ken Beatrice on Venture Smith Day activities.
Spring, 2017	Special articles include: • an article by Jim Trocchi on "The Mighty Moodus River"; • Selected images from the 2016 excavation season; • And a remembrance article by Nick Bellantoni on George B. "Pete" Kinsella.
Fall, 2016	Special articles include: • Seasonal Occupations at the Devil's Head Site, Maine; • Dusting Off the Past: Native American Artifacts at Mattatuck Museum; • Serendipity at Riverside Cemetery ; • Remembering FREDERIC WILLIAM WARNER III; and • Remembering DR. HENRI "HANK" ROBERT COPPES.
Spring, 2016	Special articles include: • New Archaeological Preserves: Charcoal Mound Site, Walt Landgraf Soapstone Quarry Site, Portland Nike Missile Site; • Vernon's Granite Mills; • Excavation Results of Middle Archaic Archaeological Site in Bethel; • Article on Charles Island near Milford; • Gems of CT History and Culture • an update on ongoing OSA Library work; • an article on the Midway Railroad Roundhouse archaeological complex; • an article on the Borden's Condensed Milk Factory site; and • a history of the Douglas Jordan Testing, Dating and Conservation Fund.
Fall, 2015	Special articles include: • Radiocarbon dating of the Farmington Pope Mastadon; • an update on ongoing OSA Library work; • an article on the Midway Railroad Roundhouse archaeological complex; • an article on the Borden's Condensed Milk Factory site; and • a history of the Douglas Jordan Testing, Dating and Conservation Fund.
Spring, 2015	Special articles include: • Remembrances of June Cooke; • Meadowcroft Rockshelter Visit memories; • an article on the historical preservation of an African-American cemetery in Greenwich; and • an article by Jim Trocchi on an interesting feature uncovered at the Strong Howard in Windsor, which was profiled in the Fall 2013 Newsletter.
Fall, 2014	Special articles include: • Brian Jones' first column; • Endoscopic imaging at a Danbury burial vault; • a short article on excavation methodologies and link to protected preserves; and • an aritcle on the history of crossing the Connecticut River.
Spring, 2014	Special articles include: • Mandy's first column; • Nick's last column; • Farmington Students Help Excavate at Walpole Excavation; • appreciation article for Howard Horton; • an article on Connecticut's Iron Industry; • article on a dig at the Gurleyville Grist Mill; and, • an article on lithic finds at a Westbrook excavation.
Fall, 2013	Special articles include: • Latest info from the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center and the 2013 Field School; • an update on the UConn Mentor Connection Program; • an article on the 2013 Adult Archaeology Field School, at the Barclay site in Ashford; • an article on Ground Penetrating Radar use at the Historic Deerfield Cemetery; • the results of a dig at the Strong Howard House in Windsor; and, • an article on several archaeological surveys at Sherwood Island.
Spring, 2013	Special articles include: • An article on an excavation by Farmington High School students which occurred in Willington; • Latest info from the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center: Battlefields of the Pequot War, the Second Battle of the Nipsachuck, and the 2013 Field Schools; • an article on the 100th anniversary of Connecticut State Parks; and, • an article on explorations of a historic bridge in Windsor.
Fall, 2012	Special articles include: • Nick Bellantoni's "News from the OSA" article which discusses the results of excavations to date this year; • Farmington High School Spring Field School 2012 • Ellington Historical Society dig at Nellie McKnight House; • Archaeology Awareness Month informational article; and, • latest info from the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center: Battlefields of the Pequot War and the 2012 Summer Archaeology Field Schools.
Spring, 2012	Special articles include: • Nick Bellantoni's "News from the OSA" article which discusses vandalism at Fort Griswold • update from Bruce Greene on current and upcoming field activities • an article by Jim Trocchi on cave noises in Moodus, CT • an article by Mandy Ranslow on archaeology and ethics, relevant to Nick's article and 2 television shows and, • 2 book reviews on "A History of the World in 100 Objects" and "Putnam's Revolutionary War Encampment" (at what is now Putnam Memorial State Park).
Fall, 2011	Special articles include: • Uncovering skeletal remains at New Haven Hospital • update from Bruce Greene on current and upcoming field activities • an update on the "Battlefields of the Pequot War" project of the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center; and, • an article by Jim Trocchi titled "Native American Travel" in Southern New England.
Spring, 2011	Special articles include: • Update from Bonnie Beatrice on the 2010 Outreach Programs • update from Bruce Greene on current and upcoming field activities • an update on the "Battlefields of the Pequot War" project of the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center; and, • an article by Jim Trocchi titled "Acculturation of Native Americans in Southern New England."
Fall, 2010	Special articles include: • Update from Nick Bellantoni on efforts re-inter the Leatherman to a more prominent site • Farewell to June Cooke and reminisences of the late John Spaulding • the latest news from the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center's projects • CSMNH / CAC 2010 Archaeology Field School for Kids program • a report from Jim Trocchi on his examination of the Rainbow Hydroelectric Plant Dam on the Farmington River in 2009, a result of the lowering of the Reservoir level making the old dam visible; and, • a historical article by Mike Raber on Marine Railways in Southeastern Connecticut.
Spring, 2010	Special articles include: • Update on the Turtle Submarine project • a profile of FOSA voluneer Kristy Dalhstrom • the latest news from the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center's projects (summer, fall 2009); and, • a paper by Jim Trocchi describing Connecticut Indian Demographics at European Contact.
Fall, 2009	Special articles include: • State of the budget and its impact on OSA • Info on the Andrew Kowalsky artifact collection donation • An article on a visit to the Manstan Rock Shelter • Another on what's happening at Mashantucket • An article on paleoimaging, a central part of this year's Annual Meeting speakers' subject; and, • a short article on an air crash in Norfolk, CT in 1943.
Spring, 2009	Special articles include: • New web site • Article on the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Library • FOSA's Outreach program • New Information on the H.L.Hunley's fate • Boiling Water with Rocks • Corduroy Roads; and, • an article on the Hicock-Benson-Palmer Late-Woodland Living site.
Fall, 2008	Special articles include: • Acknowledgements of volunteers' activities • A call for Laboratory volunteers to help catalog Native American artifact donations • Notification of the availability for review of John Spaulding's FOSA photographic records (48 separate binders of them!) at the OSA • The results of an archaeological dig in Big Timber, Montana • An article on the past of Stamford, CT • and thoughts on the First Americans.
Spring, 2008	Special articles include: • FOSA Outreach Program • New Ancient Lineage Discovered • Launching of the Turtle • Another attempt a NAGPRA amending • An update on the Kennewick Man • The first English settlement in Connecticut (in today's Windsor) • and new discoveries at the Venture Smith site.
Fall, 2007	Special articles include: • Radiocarbon Dating update • Farmington Canal • History of the West is Written in Stone; and, • a biography of Henry Obookiah.
Spring, 2007	Special articles include: • Radiocarbon Dating • Cautions and Limitations with C14 Dating • Profile of Roy Manstan and the Turtle; and, • an Analysis of a (fort) Palisade in Windsor.
Fall, 2006	Special articles include: • Use of Ground Penetrating Radar in South Windsor • Radiocarbon Dating • Award of a Grant to Help Fund a New Exhibit at UConn • Uncovering the Grave of Venture Smith; and, • a History of the ASC.
Spring, 2006	Special articles include: • An article on the Arthur Basto Archaeological Society • Radiocarbon Dating update; and, • an article on Dating Techniques, with emphasis on C14.
Fall, 2005	Special articles include: • Radiocarbon Dating update • an article on Kennewick Man • an initial article on the Lt. Eugene Bradley P-40 Crash Site; and, • a search for burial sites of (Revolutionary War) British Soldiers on Pine Island.
Spring, 2005	Special articles include: • The Avery Homestead in Preston, CT.
Fall, 2004	Special articles include: • Search for the Lost Prisoners' Cemetery at Newgate Prison; and, • a description of the First Annual Connecticut Archaeology Expo.
Spring, 2004	Special articles include: • Radiocarbon Dating update • an article on a Lost Treasure legend at the site of an old tavern in East Granby; and, • a biographical sketch of Samuel Huntington, a member of the Continental Congress.
Fall, 2003	Special articles include: • An article on the Search for Peter Pond burial site • a description of the Archaeology Mentorship Program; and, • the continuation of the Bulkeley Saga (cataloging the remains and discussion of the Bulkeley Tomb).
Spring, 2003	Special articles include: • An article on the cataloging and analysis of skeleton remains of the Gershom Buckeley Tomb.
Fall, 2002	Special articles include: • An article on the rediscovery of Kubla Khan's summer palace in China, known as Xanadu • and an article on Connecticut's first underwater archaeological preserves, centered around 2 shipwrecks (Lightship 51 and Willian Gillette's yacht "Aunt Polly").
Spring, 2002	Special articles include: • An article on the site of a colonial forge and steelworks in Killingworth.
Fall, 2001	Special articles include: • An article on a shipwreck, made visible by low water levels, in the Connecticut River.
Spring, 2001	Special articles include: • An article on the Pelton pottery kiln site in Bloomfield, CT.
Fall, 2000	Special articles include: • Status of FOSA and OSA activities • a draft letter to legislators encouraging them to support the bill on cultural heritage and tourism.
Spring, 2000	Special articles include: • Status of FOSA and OSA activities.
Summer, 1999	Special articles include: • Status of FOSA, CSMNH and OSA activities.
Spring, 1999	Special articles include: • Status of FOSA, CSMNH and OSA activities.
Winter, 1998	Special articles include: • Status of OSA activities.
Summer, 1998	Special articles include: • Status of OSA activities.
Introductory Issue	Special articles include: • INITIAL FOSA NEWSLETTER • what is OSA? • what is FOSA? • wish lists; • current state of things.