The Bockmier Point article is finally out! The double issue (75-76) is back-dated to help Northeast Anthropology catch up its issue backlog, so the "official" date is 2008 (even though it's 2011).

Due to an unforeseen issue with a flash drive, the newsletter for Fall will be combined with the Winter issue, and the combined issue will be sent out in late November. If you're not on the mailing list, email me (sph1@email.com) to make sure you get a copy. (note: that's sph[one], not [el])

Bockmier Article

The Bockmier Site report is coming out soon in the journal Northeast Anthropology. Page proofs have been approved, and we're just waiting for publication. The title is "Bockmier Point Site: the Kinzua Phase Revisited" and it runs from pg 23 to 57 in the joint issue #75/76, due out by this fall. I will try to obtain copies for anyone who is interested and doesn't have a subscription.

Summer Newsletter

The Summer 2011 issue of Project News has been sent, and should arrive in mailboxes by the end of the week. If you're not getting one, it's because you're not on the list. It's free, and comes quarterly... to get on the list, email me with your mailing address (or ask for an electronic copy). As always, donations are accepted to help defray the costs of production and mailing. We rely solely on private donations for all project expenditures.

Wet Spring Survey

The May 2011 survey occurred in the midst of one of the wettest seasons on record. Due to the field conditions as well as the short period of time available, survey activity was limited to a follow-up survey of the Bockmier 3 site and the Bockmier 4 find-spot. A controlled surface survey was employed to confirm an artifact distribution that was suggested during the dissertation fieldwork. The rainy weather permitted two days of survey, and the rest of the time was spent documenting metric data from two private collections of artifacts from the region. I also met with the staff from the Tribal Historic Preservation Office of the Seneca Nation, to establish one of the collaborative aspects of the Allegheny Valley Project. THPO Archaeologist Lauren Waldinger assisted with the surface survey, as did volunteer Laurie Labella. Preliminary results confirm the artifact distribution within Bockmier 3, and a few diagnostic artifacts will help us determine the age and nature of the site. As before, a few widely scattered artifacts were located within the area designated Bockmier 4 find-spot. It is likely the area was a low activity area during the occupation of the various sites on the Bockmier tract.

Short May Survey

We will be conducting a controlled surface survey at Bockmier 3 and Bockmier 4 sites on May 25 and May 26. Since these are weekdays, the hours will run from 1:00 PM to 7 PM, so volunteers who work days can participate. You do not need to be there the entire time to participate, and there will be some lab activities for those who do not wish to get muddy (if you participate in the survey, you will likely get muddy, so dress appropriately). Rain will not deter the survey (we will pause for downpours), but we will retreat to shelter if it thunders. We do not expect many volunteers, so feel free to bring friends or family. Children must be supervised at all times. Bockmier 3 and Bockmier 4 are located behind the Bockmier's Farm Market in Allegany, New York. See you there!

2011 Preliminary Work

The Allegheny Valley Project 2011 schedule is mainly focused on administrative duties in preparation for the full-scale summer field seasons to begin in 2012. I will be in the region for one week in the spring (May 22 - May 28) for meetings and limited testing. Unfortunately, most testing will occur on weekdays, so some may not have an opportunity to volunteer. However, I will try to keep later hours (at least until 7pm) to accomodate visitors who have to work during the day. Testing days will be announced by email within the few weeks prior, so if you are interested in volunteering or visiting and not on the email list, be sure to get on it. Simply send me an email with a request to be included at sph1@email.com.