November 14, 2011
On National Archaeology Day AIA-Western Massachusetts members were joined by students from Mt. Holyoke and Smith colleges, members of the Whately Historical Society, and local residents to explore an archaeological site at the MacLeish Field Station (West Whately, Massachusetts) and to learn about forest archaeology and historic sites. The program, organized by Matt Emerson and Scott Bradbury, addressed regional history, issues of landscape use, and also taught participants useful skills such as how to read a map, take measurements, read a compass, and how to measure one’s pace for site recording. Over the course of the day attendees participated in a guided walk and created a sketch map of a historic house site dating to the late 19th-early 20th century. The event culminated in cider and donuts as well as a raffle for two Marshalltown trowels.
Student feedback on the trip indicated that participants had a great time, were excited to be able to apply and build on information learned in archaeology classes, and left eager to learn more!
International Archaeology Day Blog
