High Gear

As we enter the last two weeks of our field season, we have kicked our excavations into high gear, so that we may have a portion of the longhouse revealed before we leave. Teams are also focused on processing Feature 13-05 (the cylindrical pit), and retrieving soil samples for flotation. Our screening stations are having trouble keeping up!

Photo by Becky Garber 04-AUG-14

Busy Week

We had a very busy week, completing several lot numbers, cleaning off features from last year, and prepping for and hosting our first annual Community Archaeology Day. Friday, Jill was surprised with a nice rimsherd from the plow zone at N248 E158.

Yesterday's Community Archaeology Day events and activities included a basket weaving demonstration,

pottery workshops throughout the day,

flintknapping demonstrations,

atlatl dart throwing lessons,

and an artifact identification booth.

The enthusiasm of our visitors and volunteers was met by a beautiful summer day. A wonderful time was had by all!

Community Archaeology Day

The excavations are progressing nicely, and we are busy preparing for our first annual Community Archaeology Day this Saturday. We have an all day artifact identification booth and artifact displays, a basket weaving demonstration in the morning (10am), flintknapping demonstrations throughout the day, a traditional pottery workshops in the morning and afternoon, an atlatl demonstration in the afternoon, and informational booths and site tours available all day. It should be a fun day! Come on out and join us at the Canticle Farm Market (3809 Old State Road) in Allegany.

Making Progress

We've been very fortunate to have dodged the rain showers (for the most part) for the last week and a day. We have re-excavated 8 units from last season, and have opened an additional 5 units so far... we are removing plow zone to reveal the undisturbed features beneath.

                                Jay and Jessica screening in Area C.

A Wonderful Crowd

The Canticle Farm event organizer estimated that 15-20 people would show up at their Thursday evening AVP presentation (see poster in previous post). We had over 60 enthusiastic attendees, with many great questions and comments, most of whom made the trek down to see the site. We thank all who participated, and a special thanks to Mark, Susan and Sister Joyce from Canticle Farm for their efforts, and AVP volunteers Jill, Celia and Laurie for helping to facilitate the program. Cheers!

Archaeology Day

Field Season 2014 is quickly approaching! Make your plans to join us! This year we have a new event: