Calendar of Events
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Massachusetts Archaeology Month October 2013 Foundations of the Past Calendar of Events William Francis Galvin Secretary of the Commonwealth Chair, Massachusetts Historical Commission From the State Archaeologist Massachusetts Archaeology Month provides many opportunities to learn about the peoples who inhabited Massachusetts in the past and to get your hands dirty in archaeology. There are events for all ages and interests. If you are a teacher, you might be interested in the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s (MHC) new program, “An Archaeologist in the Classroom.” Throughout the month of October on weekdays, an archaeologist at the MHC can make a virtual appearance in your classroom to talk about archaeology and answer questions from the class. Contact Jennifer Poulsen at the MHC to make an appointment for her virtual visit (suggested for grades 3-6). The subject of this year’s Archaeology Month poster and calendar cover is the continuing archaeological investigation of the Hassanamesit Woods sites in Grafton (see event listing in Grafton and the summary at the end of this calendar for more information). These sites were occupied by Nipmuc families in the 18th and 19th centuries. The discoveries made by the archaeologists are helping to fill the gaps in the written records about these historic period Nipmucs, as well as dispelling erroneous descriptions written by European-Americans at the time. Today, it is common practice for archaeologists to consult with descendants of the Native American sites that they are excavating, resulting in collaborative efforts in interpreting the archaeological findings and creating new foundations for the past. Brona Simon State Archaeologist MANY THANKS TO: Thomas M. Blazej, Director of Graphic Communications, Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth Jeff Surette, Graphic Communications, Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth Corolette Goodwin, Director, Central Services, Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth Jennifer Poulsen, Archaeological Collections Manager, Massachusetts Historical Commission Dear Reader: It is my pleasure to introduce the calendar of events for this year’s annual celebration of Ar- chaeology Month. This year there are 95 events that promote awareness of the Commonwealth’s rich archaeological past through fun and engaging programs. Massachusetts Archaeology Month is about ar- chaeology in your community and the world. It is an opportunity to learn about the people who have lived in the area over the last several thousand years. Many events highlight local Native American, Colonial, and Industrial history, while others explore the archaeological past in other countries. At many of this year’s events you can experience first-hand how archaeologists unlock the mysteries of the past. Museums, local historical societies, libraries, avocational archaeologists, uni- versities, and professional archaeologists have planned a variety of exciting events for you and your family to enjoy. Go behind the scenes in an archae- ology laboratory and experience what happens there. Take a field trip to a site, go on a guided tour, or attend an illustrated talk. There are many events geared toward children and are enjoyable for the whole family. Teachers can also schedule special field trips for their classes. There is something for every- one who has a curiosity about the past. Remember to keep your calendar to use as a reference throughout the year. Many of the organizations hosting events in October have programs all year. I encourage you to support archaeological research and site preservation in the Commonwealth. William Francis Galvin Secretary of the Commonwealth Chairman, Massachusetts Historical Commission William Francis Galvin Secretary of the Commonwealth Chair, Massachusetts Historical Commission Brona Simon, State Archaeologist, Executive Director Massachusetts Historical Commission 220 Morrissey Blvd. Boston, MA 02125 617-727-8470 www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc [email protected] Contents Event Listings by Town . 1 Archaeology Month-at-a-Glance . 22 Archaeology Year Round Reference Guide . 38 Web Sites . 38 Museums . 40 Foundations of the Past . 46 Teachers! VISIT OUR TEACHER RESOURCE PAGES AT WWW.SEC.STATE.MA.US/MHC/ MHCARCH/ARCH_TEACHERS.HTM On the Cover: Archaeologists work as a team to unearth a house foundation at the Sarah Boston Farmstead Site in Grafton, Massachusetts. Excavations here give insight into the life of a 19th-century Nipmuc woman in Central Massachusetts. Event Listings Listed alphabetically by town We plan the calendar well in advance and some details were not available at press time. Please check the on-line calendar for last minute updates and additions. www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc/mhcarch/arch_month/ archidx.htm. Throughout Massachusetts Archaeologist in the Classroom Date & Time: Weekdays throughout October, by appointment Location: Virtually, in your own classroom Information: [email protected] Sponsor: Massachusetts Historical Commission Admission: Free Schedule a virtual visit from a real archaeologist for your school classroom. Jennifer Poulsen, archaeologist at the Massachusetts Historical Commission, will be available for question and answer session for classrooms (suggested Grades 3 through 6). Students can learn about the difference between an archaeologist and a paleontologist, what tools archaeologists use, and what kind of work archaeologists do here in Massachusetts. Please contact to schedule a virtual visit and make arrangements for web-conferencing. Acton Reclaiming the Wampanoag Language Date & Time: Wednesday, October 9, 7pm Location: Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main Street Information: www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/pinehawk Sponsor: Friends of Pine Hawk Admission: Free Using the public television documentary “We Still Live Here” to provide background, MIT Professor Norvin Richards will discuss the effort to reinvigorate the Wampanoag language. Please confirm date and time at www.actonmemoriallibrary.org beforehand. Discovering the Archaeology of Pine Hawk Date & Time: Thursday, October 10, 3-4:30pm Location: Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main Street Information: 978-264-4200 x20, [email protected] Sponsor: The Discovery Museums, www.discoverymuseums.org 1 Admission: $11 Native Americans lived along the Assabet River in Acton more than 7,000 years ago. See replicas of the artifacts uncovered by archaeologists at the Pine Hawk site. Archaeologist Craig Chartier will demonstrate the art and science of stone knapping. Try hands-on activities to learn how archaeologists uncover and interpret important clues to the past. From Pine Hawk to Trail through Time, 15 Years of Revealing Our Past Date & Time: Tuesday, October 15, 7pm Location: Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main Street Information: www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/pinehawk Sponsor: Friends of Pine Hawk Admission: Free Speaker Doug Halley will cover the discovery of Pine Hawk, the setting of the site, the archaeological dig, the artifacts found, and the archaeological significance of Pine Hawk. The talk will also include how this project activated an increased interest in historical preservation which led to the formation of the Friends of Pine Hawk, the creation of the Pine Hawk display, the mapping of significant archaeological areas, and the work of Trail Through Time. Please confirm time and date at www.actonmemoriallibrary.org beforehand. Junior Archaeologists’ Walk Date & Time: Thursday, October 17, 2pm Location: Meet at the end of Wheeler Lane Information: www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/pinehawk Sponsor: Friends of Pine Hawk Admission: Free Linda McElroy leads this year’s Junior Archaeology walk, which will focus on some of the Native American sites. The walk is about a half mile. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Good walking shoes are necessary. Rain date is Thursday, October 24. Please confirm date and time at www.actonmemoriallibrary.org beforehand. Documentary Film: Deepwater Wind – Block Island Date & Time: Wednesday, October 23, 7pm Location: Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main Street Information: www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/pinehawk Sponsor: Friends of Pine Hawk Admission: Free Peabody award winning filmmaker Ted Timreck again comes to Acton to show his latest work about the collaboration between Native 2 preservationists, scientists, and the Deepwater Wind Corporation. Together, these team members are working to develop the protocols that will facilitate the underwater exploration for submerged cultural resources that may be found along southern New England’s continental shelf with the construction of off-shore wind turbines. Please confirm time and date at www.actonmemoriallibrary.org beforehand. Archaeology Walk Date & Time: Saturday, October 26, 10am Location: Meet at the end of Wheeler Lane Information: www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/pinehawk Sponsor: Friends of Pine Hawk Admission: Free Linda McElroy leads this year’s Archaeology Walk along a portion of the Trail Through Time. She will focus on research updates to our understanding of the Robbins Mill site; research on a newly identified site (the Old Road to Concord). Rain date is Saturday, November 2. Please confirm time and date at www.actonmemoriallibrary.org beforehand. Book Discussion: Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks Date & Time: Monday, October 28, 7pm Location: Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main Street Information: www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/pinehawk Sponsor: Friends of Pine Hawk Admission: Free The book imagines the life of Caleb Cheeshahteaumauk, the