Archaeology Month is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, The Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology, Inc. and the Pennsylvania Archaeological Council.  It's purpose is to increase awareness of the important historic and prehistoric archaeological sites in the Commonwealth.  These sites are part of the heritage of all Pennsylvanians.  Everyday, archaeological sites are destroyed.  We  hope that through the Archaeology Month event, more Pennsylvanians become aware of this part of our history and work to protect our endangered resources.

Calender of Events

        September 26, Sat. - SPA Chapter 14 will conduct an outing to the City Island excavation in Harrisburg, PA.
                                          For details see the Chapter 14 Web page: www.sunlink.net/~kittarch.

Multi-Day Event

        September 25, Fri.  through October 10, Sat.

                                        Fifth annual public archaeology program on City Island Park in Harrisburg, the State
                                        Museum of Pennsylvania, and Bureau for Historic Preservation's Commonwealth
                                        Archaeology Program.  Opening ceremony, scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on September 25,
                                        will be presided over by First Lady Michelle Ridge and the Honorable Stephen R. Reed,
                                        the Mayor of Harrisburg.

                                        Over the years the City Island project has grown into one of the most ambitious public
                                        archaeology programs in the Eastern United States, and is staffed almost entirely by
                                        volunteers.  The celebration features an active archaeological excavation, exhibits, and
                                        demonstration projects which this year will include the construction of two Native
                                        American dugout canoes, a Native American building, and the return of Bob Winters,
                                        flint knapper extraordinaire!

                                        Past excavations have uncovered cooking fires, storage pits, and stone artifacts left by
                                        Native Americans living on the Island at least 3,600 years ago.  Excavations will continue
                                        into deeper and older deposits in 1998.

                                        Throughout the multi-day event members of the State Museum's Division of Education
                                        staff will conduct an extensive educational program in archaeology with regional middle
                                        and high school students, using the Island as an outdoor classroom.  The two hour program
                                        will provide students with a fun and thorough introduction to Pennsylvania's past through
                                        the window of archaeology.

                                        The project is free and open to visitors from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.  School
                                        districts interested in the formal educational program (there is a $2.00 per student charge)
                                        should contact the State Museum at (717) 772-6997 to get on the mailing list.
 
 

        Displays and exhibits at Baron-Forness Library and Hendricks Hall, Edinboro University of PA.

        Displays and exhibits at Stapleton Library and McElhaney Hall, Indiana University of PA.

Daily Events

        October 2, Fri.    - Ohio Valley Chapter #22, SPA monthly meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Butler Community College,
                                        Social Science Hall, Room 114, Butler PA.  The speaker will be Gary Lantz who will
                                        discuss computer applications in archaeology.  Contact (724) 946-2883.

        October 3, Sat.    -  Program for Children:  "Walk in My Moccasins" - Learn about Indian children as you listen
                                        stories and create Native American projects.  10:30 a.m. to noon, for ages 4 & 5,
                                        members $8, nonmembers $10.  Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 4400 Forbes Ave.,
                                        Pittsburgh, PA.  Contact: (412) 622-3288.

                                        Program for Children:  "The Pharaoh's Crowns" - Kings and queens in ancient Egypt wore
                                        crowns for every day, for temple ceremonies, and for military battles.  Make a crown to
                                        take home while you learn how the pharaohs lived.  10:15 - 11:45 a.m, for ages 6 & 7,
                                        members $8, nonmembers $10.  Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 4400 Forbes Ave.,
                                        Pittsburgh, PA.  Contact: (412) 622-3288.

                                        Open House, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m., Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute, Mercyhurst College,
                                        Erie, PA.  Contact: (814) 824-2578.  Mercyhurst students will be available throughout the
                                        month to give lectures about archaeology to elementary and high school groups.

        October 3 & 4,    -  Open House, Noon - 4:00 p.m., Fort LeBoeuf Museum, Waterford, PA, a project of the
                                        Department of Sociology/Anthropology/Social Work, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
                                        Edinboro, PA.  Contact: (814) 732-2573.  (On display are archaeological remains from
                                        the beaver trade on loan from the Royal Ontario Museum, WPA excavations in the late
                                        1930's, and Eagle Hotel excavations conducted by Edinboro University Archaeological
                                        Field Studies from 1975 through 1987.  Of special local interest is a replica of the only
                                      known original of Celeron's lead plate.  There is no admission charge.)

                                        Archaeology Open House at Historic Smicksburgh, Indiana County, PA, Dr. Phil
                                        Neusius Project Director, Indiana University of PA.  Contact: (724) 357-2733.

                                        Knap-in (a flintworking and primitive craft fair) sponsored by the PROMETHEUS Club
                                        (a primitive/primary technology club) of the Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute,
                                        Mercyhurst College, Erie, PA.  For information about the time and location of the event.
                                        Contact:  (814) 824-2578.

        October 6, Tue.   -  Allegheny Chapter #1, SPA monthly meeting, 7:30 p.m.,  in Trinity Hall Carlow College,
                                        Oakland, PA.  The speaker will be Sandra Olsen, Associate Curator of Anthropology,
                                        Carnegie Museum of Natural History.  The title of the program is "Ins Search of the First
                                        Domestic Horse."  Contact: (412) 422-5704.

                                        Archaeological Field Studies Open House, 9:30-11:45 a.m., Old Edinboro Cemetery,
                                        Route 99, by the lake in Edinboro, weather permitting, a project of Edinboro University
                                        of PA in association with the Edinboro Cemetery Association.  (The public is invited to
                                        observe students documenting the information on markers at the cemetery.)
                                        Contact: (814) 732-2573.

        October 7, Wed.  -  Loren Eiseley Society Dinner, "Explorations in the Usumacinta Valley" - This special
                                      evening, an opportunity to recognize and thank the Loren Eiseley Society members for
                                        their support of the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University.
                                        Mr. Graham uses examples from the Museum's won collections and research as he talks
                                        about archaeological discoveries of the Maya.  An elegant dinner follows the 6:00 p.m.
                                        lecture.  For information on becoming a member of the Loren Eiseley Society, call
                                        (215) 898-5093.  University of Pennsylvania Museum, Philadelphia, PA.

        October 8, Thu.  -  Archaeological Field Studies Open House, 9:30 - 11:45 a.m., Old Edinboro Cemetery,
                                        Route 99, by the lake in Edinboro, weather permitting, a project of Edinboro University
                                        of PA in association with the Edinboro Cemetery Association.  (The public is invited to
                                        observe students documenting the information on markers at the cemetery.)
                                        Contact: (814) 732-2573.

        October 10, Sat.  -  Program for children:  "What's in a House?" - Not all INdians lived in tipis.  Learn about
                                        the different types of early Native American dwellings and what is special about each kind.
                                        10:30 a.m. - noon, for ages 6 & 7, members $8, nonmembers $10.  Carnegie Museum of
                                        Natural History, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA.  Contact: (412) 622-3288.
 

        October 11, Sun. -  Program for children:  "Archaeology in the Lab" - Explore what happens to artifacts once
                                        they are taken from the dig site.  Reconstructing, point typing, and mapping are just a few
                                        of the skills you learn.  1:30 - 3:00 p.m., for ages 11 & 12, members $8, nonmembers $10.
                                        Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA.
                                        Contact: (412) 622-3288.

        October 10 & 11 -  Open House, Noon - 4:00 p.m., Fort LeBoeuf Museum, Waterford, PA, a project of the
                                        Department of Sociology/Anthropology/Social Work, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
                                        Edinboro, PA.  Contact: (814) 732-2573.  (See October 3 & 4 listing for more
                                        information.)

        October 12, Mon.   American Indian Lecture Series - Allegany River INdian Dancers, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.,
                                        Carnegie Lecture Hall, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 4400 Forbes Ave.,
                                        Pittsburgh, PA., members $8, nonmembers $11, students $5.  Bill Crouse, a Seneca and
                                        member of the Hawk Clan leads the presentation.  Dancers perform Iroquois social
                                       dances and explain the different dance styles and their origins.  This lecture series is
                                        supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
                                        Contact: (412) 622-3288.

        October 13, Tue.  -  Lecture, 12:30 - 1:45 p.m., Hendricks Hall Room 126, "Studying the Past from Human
                                        Mortuary Behavior" presented by Dr. Renata B. Wolynec, Edinboro University of PA,
                                        Edinboro, PA.  The Public is welcome to attend the class. Contact (814) 732-2573.

        October 15, Thu.  -  Sneak Preview - new permanent exhibit - Take advantage of the University City District's
                                        3rd Thursday evening's programs, and take a sneak peek at the new permanent Canaan
                                        and Ancient Israel Gallery before its official public opening October 18th.  Music food and
                                        fun add to the preview celebration.  4:30 - 8:00 p.m.  Third floor galleries and Museum
                                        Shop are open.  Light fare and beverages are available.  Enter by the Main Entrance.
                                        Special half price admission donation.  Contact: (215) 898-4890.  University of
                                        Pennsylvania Museum, Philadelphia, PA.

        October 17, Sat.  -  The Westmoreland County Historical Society, the Allegheny Chapter #1, SPA and the
                                        Westmoreland Archaeological Society #23, SPA are hosting an archaeological seminar
                                        titled "Digging Up Western Pennsylvania's Past, An Archaeological Seminar."  It will be
                                        held at the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center, Laurel Room, 951 Old Salem Road,
                                        Greensburg, PA from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Among the speakers will be noted Western
                                        Pennsylvania archaeologists James Adovasio, Tom Baker, Beverly Chiarulli, Edmund
                                        Dlutowski, Joan Gardener, and Dick George.  For further information contact
                                        (724) 836-1800.

                                        Adult/Child Workshop - "Identifying Pennsylvania Rocks" - 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., fee
                                        admits one adult and one child, for ages 8 and up, members $20, nonmembers $26.
                                        Carnegie Museum of  Natural History, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA.
                                        Contact: (412) 622-3288.

                                        Gala Celebration - "Crossroads of Civilization" - A gala dinner dance event celebrates the
                                        opening of Canaan and Ancient Israel.  For an invitation and ticket information, call the
                                        Women's Committee at (215) 898-9202.  University of Pennsylvania Museum,
                                         Philadelphia, PA.

        October 18, Sun.   -  Exhibition Opening Events - "Canaan and Ancient Israel" - The public opening of the
                                         Museum's new permanent Biblical Archaeology gallery features a curator's talk, gallery
                                         tours, music, and arts and crafts for children.  Contact: (215) 898-4890.  University of
                                         Pennsylvania Museum, Philadelphia, PA.

        October 17 & 18  -  Open House, Noon - 4:00 p.m., Fort LeBoeuf Museum, Waterford, PA, a project of the
                                        Department of Sociology/Anthropology/Social Work, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
                                        Edinboro, PA.  Contact: (814) 732-2573.  (See October 3 & 4 listing for more
                                        information.)

        October 20, Tue.  -  Lecture, 12:30 - 1:45 p.m., Hendricks Hall 126, "The Archaeological Past in Jeopardy"
                                        presented by Dr. Renata B. Wolynec, Edinboro University of PA, Edinboro, PA.
                                        Contact: (814) 732-2573.  (The discussion and activities will center around the video
                                        "Silent Witness: Protecting American Indian Archaeological Heritage," narrated by Robert
                                        Redford and produced by the National Park Service as part of the Parks As Classrooms
                                        Project.)

        October 22, Thr.  -  Fall Curator's Talk: "New Knowledge form Old Collections: CMNH's Costa Rican
                                        Artifacts" - David R. Watters, Curator of Anthropology, describes the exquisite jade, gold,
                                        pottery and stone artifacts crafted by the ancient peoples of Costa Rica, obtained in 1903
                                        by Carl V. Hartman, then Curator of Archaeology and Ethnology.  7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Blue
                                        Classroom, members $5, nonmembers $8, students $3.  Carnegie Museum of Natural
                                        History, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA.  Contact: (412) 622-3288.

        October 24, Sat.  -  Program for children: "What if I were an Archaeologist" - Come and learn how
                                        archaeologists study the people of the past, and learn techniques for excavating and
                                        classifying remains of ancient societies.  10:30 a.m. - noon, for ages 8-10, members $8,
                                        nonmembers $10.  Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh,
                                        PA.  Contact: (412) 622-3288.

        October 24 & 25 -  Open House, Noon - 4:00 p.m., Fort LeBoeuf Museum, Waterford, PA, a project of the
                                        Department of Sociology/Anthropology/Social Work, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
                                        Edinboro, PA.  Contact: (814) 732-2573.  (See October 3 & 4 listing for more
                                        information.)

        October 27, Tue. -   American Indian Lecture Series: "Cheyenne Dog Soldiers" - Andrew E. Masich describes
                                        how historians and Cheyenne elders recently decoded 107 colored pencil and crayon
                                        ledger drawings that depict the battle in 1869 that brought these fiercest of Plains warriors
                                        to defeat.  7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Museum of Art Theatre, members $5, nonmembers $8,
                                        students $3.  Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA.
                                       This lecture series is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
                                        Contact: (412) 622-3288.

        October 29, 30, 31 & Nov. 1  -  Annual Meeting of the Eastern States Archaeological Federation, East
                                        Mountain Inn, Wilkes Barre, PA with Thursday Tours of 36LU169 - The Conrail Site.
                                        For program information contact (717) 829-0152.  Rooms are $76 per night plus tax -
                                        double occupancy.  Contact (717) 822-1011 for reservations.
 
 

        November 21, Sat. - Fourteenth Annual WORKSHOPS IN ARCHAEOLOGY
                                         at The State Museum of Pennsylvania
                                         Third & North Streets, Harrisburg, Pa.
                                         For program descriptions and registration info click <HERE>
                                         Sponsors: Friends of The State Museum
                                         Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology
                                         Indian Artifact Collectors Association of the North East
                                         The State Museum of Pennsylvania
                                         PA Bureau for Historic Preservation

Additional Events

        Archaeology Day, Ellis School, Pittsburgh, PA.  Dr. Ellen Bedell project director.

PLEASE CONFIRM DATES, TIMES, AND FEES BY CALLING THE CONTACT
TELEPHONE NUMBERS.

FOR AN UPDATED LISTING OF STATE EVENTS, PLEASE CONTACT THE
BUREAU FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN HARRISBURG AT (717) 783-8946.

Calendar prepared courtesy of the Fort LeBoeuf Museum, a project of the Archaeological Field Studies Program,
 Department of Sociology/Anthropology/Social Work, Edinboro University of PA.

For information on Pennsylvania Archaeology Month events call (717) 783-8946.  TDD relay service at (800) 654-5984.  Archaeology Month Poster sponsored by:  Pennsylvania Archaeology Council; Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology, Inc.; Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission; Allegheny Heritage Development Corporation; National Park Service; Allegheny National Forest; Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Edinboro University of Pennsylvania; Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute; GAI Consultants, Inc.; Louis Berger & Associates, Inc.; John Milner Associates, Inc.; ASC Group Inc.; Eco-Science, Inc.; Archaeological and Historical Consultants, Inc.; CHRS, Inc.; KCI Technologies Inc.

Archives Contents Page
Pennsylvania Archaeology