Community Archaeology Program (CAP)

Location: Binghamton, NY, US

Season: July 8, 2019 to July 12, 2019

Session Dates: All three archaeology camps will run during week 1 (July 8-12, 2019). Due to high demand for the teen program, CAP offers a second Teen session: July 15-19. Teens can register for one or both sessions. Minimum enrollments are required for each session to run. Sessions fill early, so early registration and payment is encouraged.

Application Deadline: June 24, 2019

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: http://binghamton.edu/programs/cap/

Program Type:
Volunteer

RPA Certified:
no

Affiliation:
Public Archaeology Facility, Binghamton University (SUNY)

Project Director:
Nina Versaggi, Laurie Miroff, Lynda Carroll, Andrea Zlotucha Kozub PAF, Binghamton University

Project Description:

The Community Archaeology Program (CAP) offers a professionally supervised opportunity for non-archaeologists to participate in archaeological research projects. Binghamton University organizes  three summer camps: CAP for adults (ages 16 and older; CAP for Teens (entering grades 7-10); AND CAP for Kids (students entering fifth and sixth grades). Each program is for five sequential full days. CAP for adults involves one day of lectures and hands-on artifact experience, then four full days excavating with professional archaeologists at an archaeological research site. CAP for Teens involves a combination of in-lab/outdoor activities related to archaeology, and half-days excavating at the archaeological site. CAP for Kids includes in-lab and outdoor activities and one day at the archaeological site assisting archaeologists with screening for artifacts. CAP is ideal for elementary and high school students, and adults looking for an exciting outdoor summer program linked to interests in history and archaeology. Experience the hard work and thrills of discovery while assisting with a professional archaeological project that is part of historic preservation initiatives. Field tasks can accommodate the physical abilities of each participant. Note: CAP is not a substitute for an accredited field school in archaeology.

The field research site for CAP 2019 will be the Precontact period Whitney Point site (Broome County, NY). In 2017, the Public Archaeology Facility conducted unit excavations related to plans to replace a nearby bridge.  Archaeologists identified three sites, one of which (Whitney Point Bridge) will be the CAP site.  WP Bridge site borders the Tioughnioga River, a major tributary of the Chenango River.  Excavations produced over 2,000 artifacts, mostly lithics and pottery. The site’s diagnostic projectile points and pottery indicate an early Late Woodland occupation. Archaeologists identified multiple features, including hearths, pits, and post holes. The artifacts cluster, which suggests specific activity areas or seasonal revisits to this place.

Join us for an exciting CAP week, and help archaeologists expand their investigations of this significant site.

Period(s) of Occupation: Precontact, Late Woodland (c. A.D. 900-1200)

Notes:
Camp satisfies some of the requirements for the Boy Scout Merit Badge in Archaeology. Ask us for more information!

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 5 days

Minimum Age: 10

Experience Required: None

Room and Board Arrangements:
Local motels and campgrounds. Check: http://binghamton.edu/visiting-campus/lodging.html  or call PAF for information: 607-777-4786 Cost: $205 per participant per session