Dirt, bones, a treasure hunt, and kids

Introduction to Archaeology

Join us for this unique opportunity to learn how archaeologists explore the past through hands-on, interactive activities. After an introduction to archaeology and discussion of the main principles that every archaeologist follows, we bring out our archaeology field pack and discuss the tools and steps of an archaeological dig. Participants then have the opportunity to excavate the Code Rose site, a simulated archaeological site complete with mysteries and features. Students each dig a square, recover artifacts, identify and date them and discuss how they contribute to the story of what happened at the site.

Experimental Archaeology

How did they do that? Archaeologist have found that often the best way to understand a society is to try to reproduce artifacts using the same techniques and technology that was available during that time. Get into the minds of the people from the past and try your hand at historic and prehistoric activities such as pottery making, agriculture, monument building, stone and bone tool making, and many more.

Nautical Archaeology

 

We all have heard about archaeology on the land- lost tombs, rich burials, villages, etc., but what about when the site is under the seas? From sunken towns like Port Royal, Jamaica to treasure ships like the Atocha to Native American canoes, nautical archaeology explores the history that lies beneath the waves. How different do you think it is do archaeology under water? How do you sift or write or deal with sharks?! These are all questions we will explore in this class through discussions and hands-on activities.

Archaeobotany

Plants don't survive archaeologically, right? So what's the point of talking about plants when we are talking archaeology? Guess what, they do survive sometimes, well parts of them anyway...and they can tell us what sorts of weeds bugged the Pilgrims, what Native Americans grew in their gardens and what sorts of woods people built their homes and coffins from. We'll learn about plants and how useful the plant remains recovered by archaeologist can be.

Experimental Archaeology- Pottery

Archaeologists should do two things-dig and understand, and there is no better way to understand than to do. Its one thing to find a piece of Native American pottery in the ground and quite another to understand and appreciate the time, skill and effort that went into the creation of that same pot...as well as the frustration when the dog knocks the pot over and breaks it or that old pot you have used for years finally wears out. This class focuses on the techniques and materials used by Native American women to create the pottery that they made for over three millennia before contact with Europeans. Lots of clay, shell and grit, so wear some old work clothes for this one.

Experimental Archaeology- Stone Tools

Is this an arrowhead? That is a question that as a professional archaeologist who enjoys working with the public, I have heard a thousand times from professionals and novices alike. By being introduced to the fine art of flint knapping-the production of stone tools- participants will get the chance to learn to answer that question for themselves. I'll teach you how to make a stone tool and how to use them as well. Band-aids and safety goggles will be provided as needed.

Experimental Archaeology- Bone Tools

Did you ever think about the fact that people also made tools out of bone? Fish hooks, awls, hide scrapers, oh my! Lots of things were made of bone but due to their organic nature, those things usually do not survive archaeologically. As a result when you ask someone what sorts of tools Native Americans or Vikings used, the first response will be arrowheads (presumably stone) for Natives and swords (iron) for Vikings, but the truth is that bone made up a considerable part of their tool kits. Learn how to make and use bone tools in this class and you'll never look at your chicken dinner the same way again.

Pirate Archaeology

Did you know that one of the only excavated pirate ships is located right here in Massachusetts, or more precisely, right off of the coast of Cape Cod. Pirates have been here in New England for centuries and have left their own unique type of archaeological signature on the past. Did you ever hear about the skull that was found at the pirate tavern in Wellfleet? You will, as we explore the pirate past through archaeology. How can you tell if its a prate ship or not? You'll learn how with our swashbuckling activities and discussions.