UConn Will Offer Its First Archaeology Field School

STORRS — The University of Connecticut will offer its first archaeological field school for adults July 16–20.

Participants will spend one week learning about basic governmental, cultural, and technical aspects of archaeology as they take part in a dig under the supervision of the Office of State Archeology. The site is a 3,000 to 4,000 year old Native American encampment on the Quinebaug River in Lisbon.

The field school is organized by the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History and Connecticut Archaeology Center, part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at UConn.

“This is an opportunity for people to partake in an important archaeological research project in our backyard,” says State Archaeologist Nick Bellantoni, who will lead the field school. “Hopefully whatever we find will be helpful in uncovering Connecticut’s past.”

Participants will be provided with hand tools such as trowels and brushes that they will use to uncover and record findings.

“We’re hoping to come across parts of an ancient fireplace, so we can use the carbon dating method to find the exact age of the site,” Mr Bellantoni says.

The field school takes place Monday through Friday, 9 am to 3 pm. The first day will be an orientation session, and the last will be spent cataloging items in the lab.

The cost is $400 ($300 for museum members). Space is limited to 15 people, and registration is on a first come, first served basis. The program is for adults and older teens ages 16 and above. To register call 860-486-4460.

The Connecticut State Museum of Natural History, in conjunction with UConn’s Kids Are Scientists Too (KAST) program, also offers weeklong archaeology field school for students entering grades five through ten. For more information visit http://www.cac.uconn.edu/mnhcurrentcalendar.html or call KAST at 860-486-9219