Experience archaeological excavation alongside the experienced team at the Blue Rock Heritage Center. This Washington Boro location was home to the Susquehannock people’s largest village, and was inhabited in the time of John Smith’s travels in 1608. Numerous graves and burial sites have been discovered here, as well as a butchery and cooking area. Archaeologists estimate the village size to have been 250,000 square feet with the ability to house 1,700 people.
Our day will start with a brief tour to view artifacts and learn local history with Charlie Douts, president of the center. Included in the collection are three petroglyphs that were removed for preservation purposes from Walnut Island in the Susquehanna River. The most mysterious petroglyph shows a carved symbol, unlike other designs in the area, with a pattern similar to the crosshatches found in our modern tic-tac-toe game. After our tour, we will discuss the methodology of archaeology, the timeline of the area, and what to look for when excavating and artifact sequencing with Debbie Saylor, curator of Blue Rock.
We’ll break for a short lunch, then join Paul Nevin, the principal investigator of the site and president of Chapter 28 of the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology. We will learn how to sift, proper troweling techniques, recording, and how to recognize soil changes by color and features. All artifacts found will be properly recorded and stored at Blue Rock for further research at their archaeology lab in the lower level of the center. Blue Rock Heritage works with the Native American non-profit group, Circle Legacy, which is involved in all displays and excavations.
- Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is complete.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email a few days before the date.
- Children over the age of 12 are welcome.
- No tools are needed.
- Wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty.
- Dress according to the weather. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes to keep your feet safe on site.
- Bring a lunch, water, snacks, sunblock, bug spray, and a camera with accessories.
- There are no restaurants or fast food available in the area.
- Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
- No pets, please.
Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $10 or less are not refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Registration
Levels:- NHSM Archaeology Club Member: $15
- NHSM Member: $25
- Non Member: $30