Massachusetts Archaeology Month October 2012

Archaeology Month 2012 has ended, but please use this calendar of events as a reference. Many of our event sponsors host archaeological exhibits and programs throughout the year.

The 2012 Massachusetts Archaeology Month Poster

Download the 2012 Calendar of Events (PDF)

Archaeology Month 2012 Event Information

Acton	Gloucester	Paxton	Waltham
Amesbury	Groton	Pelham	Wayland
Andover	Harvard	Plymouth
Arlington	Hatfield	Pittsfield
Barnstable	Haverhill	Quincy
Billerica	Hudson	Randolph
Boston	Kingston	Rockland
Brewster	Lowell	Rowe
Bridgewater	Marshfield	Salem
Cambridge	Medford	Shrewsbury
Concord	Middleborough	Springfield
Dennis	Milton	Stoneham
Duxbury	Newbury	Sturbridge
East Brookfield	North Adams	Sudbury
Eastham	Norwell	Tewksbury

Event Listings

Listed alphabetically by town

Acton

Native American Life and Traditions

DATE & TIME: Thursday, October 11, 3pm
LOCATION: The Discovery Museums, 177 Main Street
INFORMATION:978-264-4200, www.discoverymuseums.org
SPONSOR: The Discovery Museums, www.discoverymuseums.org
ADMISSION: Adults: $11, Seniors: $10, Members and Teachers: Free, Children under 1: Free
Learn about Native American life and traditions from James Stormhorse Sandborn. See and touch examples of regalia, the traditional dance club, and Native jewelry and beadwork. Hear about the significance of each piece and learn how Native American culture is respectful of the past while still adapting and flourishing into the future.

Sacred Landscapes and Sacred Memories

DATE & TIME: Tuesday, October 16, 7pm
LOCATION: Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main Street
INFORMATION: 978-929-6655, www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/pinehawk/
SPONSOR: Friends of Pine Hawk, www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/pinehawk/
ADMISSION: Free
Pam Ellis, Tribal Historian/Genealogist and Cultural Resources Officer for the Natick Nipmuc Indian Council, will discuss the Praying Villages, the 1675 exile to Deer Island, and the annual Sacred Journey which commemorates the exile. Please confirm time and date at www.actonmemoriallibrary.org beforehand.

Junior Archaeologists’ Walk

DATE & TIME: Thursday, October 18, 2pm (Rain date Thursday, October 25)
LOCATION: Meet at the end of Wheeler Lane in North Acton
INFORMATION: 978-929-6655, www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/pinehawk/
SPONSOR: Friends of Pine Hawk, www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/pinehawk
ADMISSION: Free
Budding archaeologists, historians and naturalists are invited to join this walk (approximately one mile) led by a local historical researcher through a fascinating woodland landscape. Come and investigate evidence of people who lived here hundreds or possibly thousands of years ago. We will consider how Native Americans used this land before European colonization and how the land might have changed over time. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Please confirm time and date at www.actonmemoriallibrary.org beforehand.

Reclaiming the Wampanoag Language

DATE & TIME: Thursday, October 18, 7pm
LOCATION: Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main Street
INFORMATION: 978-929-6655, www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/pinehawk/
SPONSOR: Friends of Pine Hawk, www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/pinehawk/
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 time and date at www.actonmemoriallibrary.org beforehand.

Author Talk: Edward Lodi on Women in King Philip’s War

DATE & TIME: Sunday, October 21, 3pm
LOCATION: Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main Street
INFORMATION: 978-929-6655, www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/pinehawk/
SPONSOR: Friends of Pine Hawk
ADMISSION: Free
A number of remarkable women played major roles in King Philip’s War: making history-changing decisions, performing heroic deeds, enduring hardships, chronicling their experiences, lending support in innovative ways. Mr. Lodi also includes accounts of what daily life was like for women in the settlements and on the frontier; the “stealth and stratagems” employed by Indian women acting as spies; restrictive laws and how some Englishwomen defied them; and the terrible vengeance wreaked by the women of Marblehead on two hapless captives. A book signing will follow. Please confirm time and date at www.actonmemoriallibrary.org beforehand.

A Look into a Native American Toolbox: A Program for Children

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 27, 2:30pm
LOCATION: Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main Street
INFORMATION: 978-929-6655, www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/pinehawk
SPONSOR: Friends of Pine Hawk
ADMISSION: Free
Join Craig Chartier, archaeologist and educator, for this event. Participants will get a chance to see a demonstration by Craig and to participate in hands-on activities related to geology and stone tool making and use. Please confirm time and date at www.actonmemoriallibrary.org beforehand.

Book Discussion: At the Concord of the Rivers, Author Anne Ipsen

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 27, 2:30pm
LOCATION: Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main Street
INFORMATION: 978-929-6655, www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/pinehawk/
SPONSOR: Friends of Pine Hawk
ADMISSION: Free
In the book, Abigail, a 21st century graduate student, finds herself thrown back in time to colonial Concord. Initially she observes life around her, but soon she becomes emotionally involved. She finds she is at odds with the accepted norm for Puritan women, worries about survival, and wonders why she has gone back in time and if she has some mission in the 17th century. Please confirm time and date at www.actonmemoriallibrary.org

Amesbury

The History of American Root Cellars

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 20, 2pm
LOCATION: Amesbury Public Library
INFORMATION: www.amesburylibrary.org
SPONSOR: Amesbury Public Library
ADMISSION: Free
For most people, the term “root cellar” evokes an image of a brick or stone masonry subterranean structure tunneled into a hillside. These classic root cellars are only one of a number of different types of structures used to preserve root crops, vegetables and fruits over the past 400 years. The other structures include subfloor pits, cooling pits, house cellars, barn cellars, and field root pits. This lecture explores the origins, history, and design of root cellars. This presentation by James and Mary Gage will be accompanied by photos of surviving examples of root cellars from the New England region as well as period illustrations from across the United States.

Andover

Meeting of the Massachusetts Archaeological Society Northeast Chapter

DATE & TIME: Tuesday, October 16, 7pm
LOCATION: Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology, 175 Main Street
INFORMATION: info.nechapter@massarchaeology.org
SPONSOR: Massachusetts Archaeological Society, www.massarchaeology.org
ADMISSION: Free
Join the MAS Northeast Chapter in the storied venue of the Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology in Andover for their monthly guest speaker series. Hear practicing professional and academic archaeologists discuss the latest in local and global research. Meetings are held at 7pm on the third Tuesday of every month from September to May (second Tuesday of November for the holiday). Admission is free, but guests are encouraged to become Chapter and Society Members. For more information and the annual schedule for 2012-2013, see our website and Facebook postings.

Archaeology Open House

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 27, 1-4pm
LOCATION: Robert S. Peabody Museum, 175 Main St.
INFORMATION: 978-749-4490
SPONSOR: Robert S. Peabody Museum
ADMISSION: Free
The Robert S. Peabody Museum will host an archaeology open house where visitors can tour our two small exhibit galleries featuring highlights from the Museum's collection of over 500,000 Native American artifacts.

Arlington

Cyrus E. Dallin and the Native Americans

DATE & TIME: Tuesday, October 2, 7pm
LOCATION: Cyrus E. Dallin Art Museum, Cutter Gallery, 611 Massachusetts Avenue
INFORMATION: 617-641-0747, csharbrough@dallin.org
SPONSOR: Cyrus E. Dallin Art Museum, www.dallin.org
ADMISSION: Suggested donation: $5
Cyrus E. Dallin was not only an internationally renowned sculptor but also maintained ties to the Native American community. Come and hear about this little known aspect of his life.

Barnstable

Making Waves: Maritime Ventures on Cape Cod

DATE & TIME: Throughout October, Tuesdays through Saturdays 10am-4pm, Sundays 12-4pm
LOCATION: Cape Cod Maritime Museum, 135 South Street, Hyannis
INFORMATION: 508-775-1723, info@capecodmaritimemuseum.org
SPONSOR: Cape Cod Maritime Museum, www.capecodmaritimemuseum.org
ADMISSION: Adults: $5, Students and Seniors: $4
The “Making Waves” exhibit presents an array of artifacts from nearly 400 years of Cape Cod maritime ventures, including a 17th century mariner’s chart, visions of 19th century fishing and whaling, traditional Wampanoag fish harvesting implements, early 20th century Cape resort photographs, and exquisite model ships. Featured in the exhibit are the remains of the oldest known extant shipwreck, Sparrow Hawk, which wrecked in 1626 off the Outer Cape’s Nauset Beach. Nearly 240 years later it was recovered, and has been on display at various locations ever since. “Making Waves” provides a comprehensive narrative of the Cape’s work on the water, from pre-colonial masters of the sea to contemporary coastal commerce. Additionally, Cape Cod Maritime Museum is proud to present brand new family interactive experiences within the exhibit space that are educational and accessible for all ages!

Billerica

Charlestown Dry Dock Model Display

DATE & TIME: Saturdays and Sundays throughout October, 12-4pm
LOCATION: Middlesex Canal Museum and Visitors Center, 71 Faulkner Street
INFORMATION: www.middlesexcanal.org
SPONSOR: Middlesex Canal Association
ADMISSION: Free
Display of early 19th century construction models of the Charlestown dry dock and caisson by Cyrus Baldwin on loan from the James Baldwin family.

Fall Walk

DATE & TIME: Sunday, October 14, 1:30pm
LOCATION: Middlesex Canal Museum and Visitor Center, 71 Faulkner Street
INFORMATION: Roger Hagopian at 781-861-7868 or Robert Winters at robert@middlesexcanal.org
SPONSOR: Middlesex Canal Association, www.middlesexcanal.org
ADMISSION: Free
This walk will originate from the Middlesex Canal Museum in the Faulkner Mill in North Billerica. The duration is two to three hours, rain or shine, 3 to 4 miles of generally level wooded terrain and streets. The route will follow the canal south of the Concord River. Sites to be visited include a guard lock, an anchor stone for the floating bridge which once carried canal towpath across the river, and stretches of canal. No registration required.

Boston

History beneath Our Feet

DATE & TIME: Throughout October, Mondays through Fridays, for school groups and classrooms
LOCATION: Shirley-Eustis House, Carriage House Learning Center, 33 Shirley Street or where your group meets
INFORMATION: 617-442-2275, governorshirley@gmail.com
SPONSOR: The Shirley-Eustis House, www.shirleyeustishouse.org
ADMISSION: Chaperones: $4, Students: $3, Teachers: Free
The goal of “History Beneath our Feet” is to help train and sharpen students’ historical inquiry, analysis and interpretation skills. The lesson accomplishes this goal through the conduct of an archaeological dig in miniature based on the methods and vocabulary of archaeological science. To decipher the clues one needs to ask essential questions about the size, shape, color, material, decoration of the artifact and know something about the association of those characteristics with particular centuries to answer the question. Students participate in an archaeological dig-in-miniature using sandboxes, artifacts, archaeological tools and the methods of archaeological science to help them experience and explain that history includes the study of past human culture based on available evidence from a variety of sources. Grade-specific learning for grades 3 through diploma. Informative and engaging for all learners. Please call or email to book this event. Please note: This program can be successfully presented to groups with a limit of 30. Please be sure to discuss and make the appropriate arrangements when you call to schedule. This program travels to your classroom with ease.

The Archaeology of Castle Island

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 6, 11am-3pm (Rain date Sunday, October 7)
LOCATION: Fort Independence, Castle Island
INFORMATION: 617-626-1377, ellen.berkland@state.ma.us
SPONSOR: Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
ADMISSION: Free
Enjoy an illustrated walking tour of Castle Island and learn about the multiple military campaigns since the 1600s and what archaeology has contributed to our knowledge of this place. Tours on the hour with last tour beginning at 2pm. Parking in public lot or accessible by public transportation. Appropriate for kids of all ages.

The Archaeology of Boston

DATE & TIME: Tuesday, October 9, 6:30pm
LOCATION: Boston Public Library, Main Branch, Johnson Building, Mezzanine Conference Room
INFORMATION: joseph.bagley@cityofboston.gov
SPONSOR: City Archaeology Program, Boston
ADMISSION: Free
Explore Boston’s incredible archaeological discoveries with City Archaeologist, Joe Bagley. This lecture is an overview of over 10,000 years of human history in Boston, including a discussion of the Native American occupation of Boston Common, privies in the North End, and a West Roxbury utopia.

Spotlight Tour: Conservation of Etruscan Sarcophagi

DATE & TIME: Wednesday, October 10, 5pm, 5:30pm, and 6pm
LOCATION: Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Avenue, Gallery 117
INFORMATION: mtsu@mfa.org
SPONSOR: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, www.mfa.org
ADMISSION: Admission by voluntary contribution on Wednesdays after 4pm Join conservator Mei-An Tsu on a behind-the-scenes tour. Hear how conservators, curators, engineers, and scientists are working together to improve the stability and appearance of two elaborately carved sarcophagi (coffins) from the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C. The sarcophagi were discovered in Vulci (Italy) in the 1840s and have been on display at the MFA since the 1880s. Each tour is limited to 10 people; tickets will be distributed in Gallery 117 starting at 4:45pm.

Sandbox Archaeology

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 13, 1-4pm
LOCATION: Shirley-Eustis House, Carriage House Learning Center, 33 Shirley Street
INFORMATION: 617-442-2275, governorshirley@gmail.com
SPONSOR: Shirley-Eustis House, www.shirleyeustishouse.org
ADMISSION: Adults: $5, Students: $4
The goal of Sandbox Archaeology is to help train and sharpen student’s historical inquiry, analysis and interpretation skills. The lesson accomplishes this goal through the conduct of an archaeological dig in miniature based on the methods and vocabulary of archaeological science. The key point is that each of the artifacts found contains clues to their manufacture and date of origin and use. To decipher the clues one needs to ask questions about the size, shape, color, material, decoration of the artifact and know something about the association of those characteristics with particular centuries to answer the question. For example: “When was this artifact made or used?” Asking and answering these questions as well as digging in the dirt are the most important parts of this program. Grade-specific learning for grades 3 through diploma. Informative and engaging for all learners. Please call or email to make reservations for this event.

Walking Tour: Archaeology of Boston Common

DATE & TIME: Monday, October 15, 11am
LOCATION: Boston Common, Meet at the frog statues on the Frog Pond
INFORMATION: joseph.bagley@cityofboston.gov
SPONSOR: City Archaeology Program, Boston
ADMISSION: Free
Step back into time with Joe Bagley, City Archaeologist, as you walk through over 7,000 years of human history on Boston Common. Tour topics include Native American camps, Revolutionary War encampments, political rallies, executions, and cows.

The Archaeology of Charlestown

DATE & TIME: Tuesday, October 16, 7-8pm
LOCATION: The Battle of Bunker Hill Museum, 43 Monument Square
INFORMATION: joseph.bagley@cityofboston.gov
SPONSOR: City Archaeology Program, Boston
ADMISSION: Free
Explore the archaeological heritage of Charlestown. This lecture will focus on the sites discovered during archaeological survey prior to the Big Dig. These include the Great House/Three Cranes Tavern of City Square, Native American sites along the shore, and a woman-owned tavern from the 17th century.

6th Annual AIA-MOS Archaeology Fair

DATE & TIME: Friday, October 19, 9am-2pm and Saturday October 20, 10am-3pm
LOCATION: Museum of Science, Boston
INFORMATION: www.archaeological.org and www.mos.org
SPONSOR: Archaeological Institute of America and the Museum of Science, Boston
ADMISSION: Adults: $22, Senior: $20, Children (ages 3-11): $19
Join the Archaeological Institute of America and the Museum of Science, Boston for a weekend of archaeological exploration! Learn about past cultures, try hands-on activities, and discover your inner Indiana Jones at this two-day archaeology fair. Free with regular admission.

Archaeology Day

DATE & TIME: Saturday October 20, 11am-3pm
LOCATION: Boston University, Stone Science Building, 3rd Floor
INFORMATION: sbelkin@bu.edu, www.bu.edu/archaeology
SPONSOR: Boston University Department of Archaeology
ADMISSION: Free
The Department of Archaeology at Boston University presents Archaeology Day. This is an event to learn about the practice of archaeology from real BU archaeologists! This event features hands-on archaeological activities for all ages, such as flint-knapping, ceramic cross-mending, identifying ancient plants, and learning about human evolution. This event is in conjunction with the International Center for East Asian Archaeology and Culture History’s event: Marco Polo’s Journey to China.

Marco Polo’s Journey to China

DATE & TIME: Saturday October 20, 11am-3pm
LOCATION: International Center for East Asian Archaeology and Cultural History, Boston University, 650 Beacon Street, Suite 505
INFORMATION: 617-358-8000, asianarc@bu.edu
SPONSOR: International Center for East Asian Archaeology and Cultural History at Boston University
ADMISSION: Free
Come trace the journeys of the great explorers of China, Marco Polo and Zheng He, and discover China’s ancient dynasties and empires along the 10 11 way. As part of Boston University Archaeology Day, ICEAACH will offer short hourly talks on the half hour (11:30-2:30) and hands-on discovery sessions in its library with archaeological artifact replicas, big maps, and children’s books.

The Archaeology of Dorchester

DATE & TIME: Sunday, October 21, 2pm
LOCATION: Dorchester Historical Society, Clapp House, 195 Boston Street
INFORMATION: Joe Bagley, City Archaeologist at joseph.bagley@cityofboston.gov, Dorchester Historical Society at 617-293-3052
SPONSOR: City Archaeology Program, Boston and the Dorchester Historical Society, www.dorchesterhistoricalsociety.org
ADMISSION: Free
Explore the archaeological heritage of this ever-changing community. Sites include the historic Blake House, Dorchester Pottery kiln, Native American occupation, and the industrial heritage of the neighborhood.

Walking Tour: Archaeology of the North End

DATE & TIME: Monday, October 22, 11am-12pm
LOCATION: Meet at the Samuel Adams statue in front of Faneuil Hall
INFORMATION: joseph.bagley@cityofboston.gov
SPONSOR: City Archaeology Program, Boston
ADMISSION: Free
As we journey from Faneuil Hall to the Paul Revere house we will explore the ancient shoreline of Boston, the back alleys of the Blackstone Block, 17th century divorce, the history of bowling, and Paul Revere’s outhouse. Tour is led by Joe Bagley, City Archaeologist.

City Archaeology Lab Open House

DATE & TIME: Thursday, October 25, 9am-5pm
LOCATION: City Archaeology Lab, 201 Rivermoor Street, Second Floor
INFORMATION:joseph.bagley@cityofboston.gov
SPONSOR: City Archaeology Program, Boston
ADMISSION: Free
Tour the new City Archaeology Laboratory, recently opened in the City Archives building. Here the City Archaeologists and a team of volunteers and interns house, clean, analyze, and document over 1,000,000 artifacts from Boston representing over 7,500 years of the City’s history.

The Archaeology of Roxbury

DATE & TIME: Monday, October 29, 6pm
LOCATION: Haley House Bakery Cafe, 12 Dade Street
INFORMATION:joseph.bagley@cityofboston.gov, info@haleyhouse.org
SPONSOR: City Archaeology Program, Boston and Haley House Bakery Café (www.haileyhouse.org)
ADMISSION: Free
Explore the archaeology of Roxbury with City Archaeologist, Joe Bagley. Lecture covers the 7,500 year history of the place we now call Roxbury including Revolutionary War sites, Native American habitation, and the industrial sites of the neighborhood.

The Archaeology of Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Hyde Park, and West Roxbury

DATE & TIME: Tuesday, October 30, 3pm
LOCATION: City Archaeology Lab, 201 Rivermoor Street, Second Floor
INFORMATION:joseph.bagley@cityofboston.gov
SPONSOR: City Archaeology Program, Boston
ADMISSION: Free
Come view and explore the incredible archaeological heritage of this region of Boston. Lecture includes Native American and Historic archaeological sites from Brook Farm, Arnold Arboretum, and Franklin Park, among others.

Brewster

Archaeology Laboratory Open House

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 6, 11am-3pm
LOCATION: Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, 869 Main Street
INFORMATION: 508-896-3867, www.ccmnh.org
SPONSOR: Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
ADMISSION: Adults: $10, Seniors: $7, Children 3-12 years old: $5, Children 2 and under: Free
Join archaeologist Dr. Fred Dunford for a tour of the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History’s Archaeology Lab. View artifacts from local excavations (including the latest from the Wing Island Archaeology Project), and learn about the archaeology of the area. Visitors can also bring artifacts from Cape Cod for identification by Dr. Dunford.

Wing Island Archaeology Project Update

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 13, 1pm
LOCATION: Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, 869 Main Street
INFORMATION: 508-896-3867, www.ccmnh.org
SPONSOR: Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
ADMISSION: Adults: $10, Seniors: $7, Children 3-12 years old: $5, Children 2 and under: Free
Join local archaeologist Dr. Fred Dunford for an informative talk detailing the latest news and findings from the Wing Island Archaeology Project.

Wing Island Archaeology Project Guided Walk

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 20, 11am
LOCATION: Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, 869 Main Street
INFORMATION: 508-896-3867, www.ccmnh.org
SPONSOR: Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
ADMISSION: Adults: $10, Seniors: $7, Children 3-12 years old: $5, Children 2 and under: Free
Join archaeologist Dr. Fred Dunford for a guided walk of Wing Island, the location of the Wing Island Archaeology Project. Learn what the island was used for in the past and what new discoveries have been made.

Bridgewater

Archaeological Canoe Tour of the Town River

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 6, 10am (Rain date Sunday, October 7)
LOCATION: TBA
INFORMATION: trwa_staff@verizon.net Carolyn LaMarre, Director, Taunton River Watershed Alliance
SPONSOR: Massachusetts Archaeological Society (www.massarchaeology.org), Taunton River Watershed Alliance (www.savethetaunton.org) Nunkatusset Greenway Alliance
ADMISSION: $30
Dr. Curtiss Hoffman will lead the 8th annual archaeological canoe tour of the Taunton River and its tributaries. This year, in cooperation with the newly formed Nunkatusset Greenway Alliance, the trip will explore archaeological sites along the town river in Bridgewater and West Bridgewater. Check the MAS or TRWA websites for details on the trip in late summer.

Cambridge

Zooarchaeology Laboratory Open House

DATE & TIME: Monday, October 8, 12-4:30pm
LOCATION: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, 11 Divinity Avenue
INFORMATION: Peter Burns at 617-495-8317, zooarch@fas.harvard.edu, www.peabody.harvard.edu/node/23
SPONSOR: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, www.peabody.harvard.edu
ADMISSION: Adults: $9, Seniors: $7, Children (3-18 years old): $6
Take a behind-the-scenes visit to a museum laboratory that helps archaeologists identify the animal bones found in their excavations. Researchers who study animal remains from ancient human-occupation sites (zooarchaeologists) demonstrate how this is done using skeletons of modern animals. If you have found a bone in your backyard, bring it with you and get it identified! A favorite archaeology event for children and for home-schoolers! Appointment not required.

Did these bottles belong to George Washington?

DATE & TIME: Thursday, October 18, 6pm
LOCATION: Carriage House at Longfellow House – Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site, 105 Brattle Street
INFORMATION: www.nps.gov/long
SPONSOR: National Park Service
ADMISSION: Free
Recent excavations at the site resulted in the discovery of unusual deposits of historical artifacts and well-preserved biological material held together by a mortar and sand mixture. The majority of the artifacts are wine bottle glass including several bottle necks that still retain the original corks. Join Alicia Paresi, Curator of Archaeology for the National Park Service, for a presentation on the archaeological excavations in the basement of the house. See a slideshow of artifacts and decide for yourself: Did these bottles belong to George Washington?

Archaeology Discovery Room (Drop-in Family Event)

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 20, 12-4pm
LOCATION: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, 11 Divinity Avenue
INFORMATION: 617-495-3216, pmae-ed@fas.harvard.edu
SPONSOR: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, www.peabody.harvard.edu
ADMISSION: Adults: $9, Seniors: $7, Children (3-18 years old): $6
Do you know that faculty and students across Harvard University are involved in archaeological research around the world? Explore amazing artifacts from the Maya, Aztecs, and more. Try your hand at some of the fascinating tools of archaeologists. What can be learned from the mysteries of trash? Are you up for the challenge of the archaeology touch box? Appropriate for children ages 5-12 with an accompanying adult. This is a drop-in event.

Toys and Games of the Ancient Near East

DATE & TIME: Sunday, October 28, 1pm
LOCATION: Semitic Museum, first floor gallery, 6 Divinity Avenue
INFORMATION: semiticmuseum.fas.harvard.edu
SPONSER: Semitic Museum at Harvard University
ADMISSION: Free
In the ancient Near East games played an important part in daily life just like they do today. Turn off your Xbox 360 and come learn about ancient games at the Semitic Museum.

Concord

Digging the Past at Family Farm Day

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 13, 9:30-4:30
LOCATION: Concord Museum, Entrance at 53 Cambridge Turnpike
INFORMATION: 978-369-9763, cm1@concordmuseum.org
SPONSOR: Concord Museum, www.concordmuseum.org
ADMISSION: Adults: $10, Seniors and Students: $8, Youth (ages 6-17): $5, Children (5 and under): Free
As part of the Museum’s Family Farm Day participate in an informal, hands-on, 4000-year-old stone tool investigation at the Concord Museum. Using real Museum artifacts visitors will examine, describe and identify the stone tools, acquiring insight into the function and importance of these tools in Native American life. Also, learn more about the skills of an archaeologist as you examine the archaeological toolkit of Benjamin Lincoln Smith, who helped to found the Massachusetts Archaeological Society. All ages welcome.

Archaeology of the Captain David Brown House Site

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 13, 1pm
LOCATION:Major John Buttrick House, Minute Man National Historical Park
INFORMATION: terrie_wallace@nps.gov
SPONSER: Minute Man National Historical Park, www.nps.gov/mima/
ADMISSION: Free
David Brown was a captain of one of Concord’s minute man companies and led his men to the North Bridge through his own fields, while his family watched. Join Alicia Paresi, Curator of Archeology for the National Park Service, for a presentation on the archeological excavations at the Captain David Brown House Site. See a slideshow of artifacts and gain insight into the Brown family as well as the use and history of this important site.

Dennis

Native Peoples of Truro: Making Sense of that World

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 13, 11am
LOCATION: Dennis Public Library, 5 Hall Street
INFORMATION: 508-760-6219, den_mail@clamsnet.org
SPONSOR: Dennis Public Library, www.dennispubliclibrary.org
ADMISSION: Free
Recent analyses of the archaeological collections given to the Truro Historical Society indicate that while the Native peoples on the Lower Cape lived lives very similar to Native peoples on the Upper Cape and throughout coastal Massachusetts, they exploited the natural resources and environment of the narrow land mass in distinctive ways. Dr. Robin Robertson will go through the data to provide a better understanding of the original inhabitants of this part of the Cape.

Duxbury

Unearthing the Past: Alden Archaeology and Local Discoveries

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 6, 1pm
LOCATION: Alden House Historic Site, 105 Alden Street
INFORMATION: 781-934-9092, www.duxburyfreelibrary.org
SPONSOR: Alden Kindred of America, Inc, www.alden.org
ADMISSION: Free
Join us for an afternoon exploring the Archaeology of the homestead of Mayflower passengers John and Priscilla Alden as well as some discoveries unearthed in an area rich with colonial history. A lecture will be given by Matthew Vigneau of the Alden House Historic Site detailing excavations conducted by Historical Archaeologist Roland Robbins on portions of the original Alden property. Additional programs for children will also be available, so please contact us for more details.

East Brookfield

Gravestone Girls Present a Virtual Tour of East Brookfield Cemeteries

DATE & TIME: Wednesday, October 17, 6:30pm
LOCATION: East Brookfield Public Library, 122 Connie Mack Drive
INFORMATION: 508-867-7928, www.eastbrookfieldlibrary.org
SPONSOR: East Brookfield Public Library
ADMISSION: Free
Cemetery educators, The Gravestone Girls, whose mission is to “Keep Our Dead Alive”, will be presenting a virtual tour, called “Welcome 16 17 to the Graveyard”, centered on the town’s four local cemeteries. The 90 minute presentation is built on photographs recently taken in these special and interesting burying places around East Brookfield, which was incorporated in 1920, previously part of Brookfield dating back to 1673, and charts the evolution of cemeteries and gravestones from the colonial era into the 21st century. Following the presentation, there will be a gravestone rubbing demonstration and hands on practice. This is a popular program that has been given around the New England area by The Gravestone Girls for the past ten years. The group regularly works with libraries, historical societies and genealogical groups, among others, to teach about “the art, symbolism and history of these living history museums located on everyone’s main streets and backyards” says Ms. Sullivan, one in the group of three cemetery enthusiasts. She further added “Almost everyone is interested in these peaceful and beautiful spaces, but may be hesitant to say so to others. Our presentation lets you know you’re not the only one. Come see what we do, we fill the room every time!”

Eastham

The Hidden Archaeology of Fort Hill

DATE & TIME: Wednesday, October 24, 10-11:30am
LOCATION: Fort Hill Area, see description below
INFORMATION: bill_burke@nps.gov
SPONSOR: Cape Cod National Seashore, www.nps.gov/caco
ADMISSION: Free
Fort Hill contains sites within the Nauset Archaeological District, a National Historic Landmark. Take a leisurely walk with Seashore Archaeologist Fredericka Dimmick and Historian William Burke to learn the remarkable story of life at Fort Hill as told by the archaeological record. We will view artifacts found here and explore the isolated Mary Chase Dike area on the southern end of the hill. If time allows, we will take a quick look through the Captain Penniman House. Park in the lower parking lot nearest the Penniman House off of Governor Prence Roude/Route 6. Heavy rain cancels.

Gloucester

Interconnections Brazil-Africa/Portugal-New England: A White-Ellery House Installation

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 6, 11am-3pm
LOCATION: White-Ellery House, 245 Washington Street
INFORMATION: 978-283-0455 x 11, jeanettesmith@capeannmuseum.org
SPONSOR: Cape Ann Museum, www.capeannmuseum.org
ADMISSION: Free
Abbott Lowell Cummings considers the restoration of the White-Ellery House to be significant in its own right as an outstanding and early example of an archaeological approach to the restoration of the First Period architecture fabric. The house becomes the backdrop for an art installation examining four centuries of the global slave trade. Ana Alakija Waddey, born in Brazil, of Nigerian roots who lives in Gloucester, shares memorabilia reflecting generations of families from her personal collection.

Groton

Exploring the Groton Soapstone Quarry

DATE & TIME: Sunday, October 14, 2pm
LOCATION: Common Street, about 100 yards southeast of the Nashua River Trail
INFORMATION: 978-448-2541, www.grotonhistoricalsociety.org
SPONSOR: Groton Historical Society
ADMISSION: Free, Thanks to the Groton Commissioners of Trusts
Archaeologist Marty Dudek will lead a walking tour through the site of the Groton Soapstone Quarry which was actively mined from 1828 to 1868. In those days soapstone was prized for sinks, stoves, talc, bed warmers and ink wells. The tour will include viewing various features of the quarry and former mill buildings as well as examples of some of the products made at the mill. It is a quarter mile walk through woods to the quarry. Sturdy footwear is recommended.

Harvard

Curator Talk: The Willard Farm Site

DATE & TIME: Sunday, October 21, 1pm
LOCATION: Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Road
INFORMATION: www.fruitlands.org programs@haverhillhistory.org
SPONSOR:Fruitlands Museums
ADMISSION: Adult: $12, Senior and Student: $10, Children (ages 5-13): $5
Curator Mike Volmar will lead a walk to the Willard Farm site and talk about our historical and archaeological research along the way. Volmar will present and discuss the roughly 100 year history of the site(1750s-1850s), the life and times of Phineas Willard II, and the sites brief six week connection with the Alcotts in 1844.

Hatfield

Hatfield’s Ghost Town: Musket Balls, Pipes and Spoons, Oh My!

DATE & TIME: Saturdays throughout October, 9:30am-11:30am
LOCATION: Hatfield Historical Museum, Second floor of Dickinson Memorial Hall, 39 Main Street
INFORMATION: www.hatfieldhistory.weebly.com
SPONSOR: Hatfield Historical Museum
ADMISSION: Free
This exhibit will showcase artifacts from the only preserved 17th century nucleated village site ever discovered in Southern New England! Come see how archaeologists and UMass PhD student Randy Daum unlocked the mystery of the “Old Farms” settlement and learn about the dangerous times in which the settlers lived.

Haverhill

Tombstones and Trowels

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 27, 10am-2pm
LOCATION: Buttonwoods Museum, 240 Water St.
INFORMATION: 978-374-4626, programs@haverhillhistory.org
SPONSOR: Haverhill Historical Society/Buttonwoods Museum, www.haverhillhistory.org
ADMISSION: $7 per Family
Discover archaeology at the Buttonwoods Museum during this drop-in event! Try out archaeological activities like cross mending artifacts and excavating a mock site. Then, move on to some above-ground archaeology at nearby Pentucket Burial Ground. With a scavenger hunt as your guide, explore how tombstones give vital clues about life and death in other centuries. Finish your visit with a self-guided tour of the Frederick Alanson Luce Archaeology Collection and a snack!

Hudson

World War II Rifle Range Hike

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 20, 9am-12pm
LOCATION: Lowes Parking Lot, Route 62
INFORMATION: www.hinsdalelibrary.org
ADMISSION: Free
Come hike to an abandoned World War II rifle range. The hike will be on moderate terrain and will total about 1 mile, touring features of the range. Please park at the northwest corner of the Lowe’s parking lot in Hudson, MA by 9am. This can be reached by taking Route 62 East from Route 495.

Kingston

Show and Tell: Artifact Identification, Learn about Local Archaeology

DATE & TIME: Wednesday, October 17, 6-9pm
LOCATION: Kingston Public Library, 6 Green Street
INFORMATION: 781-585-0517
SPONSOR: Massachusetts Archaeological Society, Massasoit Chapter
ADMISSION: Free
Bring artifacts for identification by Massasoit Chapter Members. Have the opportunity to see and discuss artifacts that have been found locally by members. Learn about our local historic and pre-Contact archaeology.

Lowell

Building the Past: Mill Architecture

DATE & TIME: Throughout October, Wednesdays through Sundays 10am-5pm
LOCATION: American Textile History Museum, Textile Learning Center, 491 Dutton Street
INFORMATION: 978-441-0400, www.athm.org
SPONSOR: American Textile History Museum
ADMISSION: Adults: $8, Children and Seniors: $6, Children under 6 years: Free
Industrial Archaeologists study the crafts and industries of the past. They bring together documents and physical evidence to discover how the places, process and conditions of production have changed. At the American Textile History Museum, visitors will experience the excitement of industrial archaeology as they use photographs, maps, and representations of physical remains to reconstruct factory buildings using Keva Planks.

Marshfield

Can you Dig It?

DATE & TIME: Throughout October, Mondays through Saturdays 10am-5pm
LOCATION: Ventress Memorial Library, 15 Library Plaza
SPONSOR: Marshfield Historical Commission
ADMISSION: Free
Artifacts from 19th century Marshfield will be on display at the Ventress Library throughout October, including bottles, spoons, toys, and buttons.

2002 Winslow House Dig: “The Findings”

DATE & TIME: Throughout October, Mondays through Fridays 10am-3pm
LOCATION: Marshfield Town Hall, Webster Square, Moraine Street
SPONSOR: Marshfield Historical Commission
ADMISSION: Free
The Winslow House was excavated in 2002 by the Fiske Center for Archaeological Research at the University of Massachusetts, Boston and with support from the curation staff at Plimoth Plantation. A wide variety of items from this excavation will be on display at the Marshfield town hall throughout the month of October.

Bedtime Buddies

DATE & TIME: Monday, October 8, 6:30-7:30pm
LOCATION: Clift Rodgers Free Library, 540 Pleasant Street
INFORMATION: 781-834-4597, www.cliftrodgerslibrary.org
SPONSOR: Clift Rodgers Free Library
ADMISSION: Free
Children ages 4-7 come dressed in their pajamas and bring their favorite “bedtime buddy” such as a stuffed toy, blanket, or doll and listen to stories about archaeology and ancient cultures.

“What Was It?”

DATE & TIME: Sunday, October 14, 1:30-3pm
LOCATION: Marcia Thomas House, 65 Webster Street
INFORMATION: www.marshfieldhistoricalsociety.org
SPONSOR: Marshfield Historical Society
ADMISSION: Students 8-12 years old may participate in a hands-on “What Was It?” program. Reproduction pieces of ceramic, fragments of glass, and pieces of metal will be shown to students to figure out what was the larger item they might have belonged to. At the end of the program the items will be revealed and we will talk about the use of objects and the role or archaeology in history. Refreshments served at 1:30pm, event begins at 2pm.

Medford

Countdown to December 2012

DATE & TIME: Thursday, October 18, 7pm
LOCATION: Medford Public Library, 111 High Street
INFORMATION: www.medfordlibrary.org
SPONSOR: Friends of the Medford Public Library
ADMISSION: Free
As the final count down to the “end of the world” and December 2012 begins we will explore how the ancient Maya viewed this date. The discussion will focus on the importance of cycles to the Maya as seen in their creation story, the Popul Vuh, and in their calendar system. We will also discuss the significance of astronomy and will see slides of some of the great works of art and architecture across Mesoamerica. Lauren Sullivan specializes in ceramic analysis and her PhD from UT Austin in 1997 in Anthropology and has been working in the Maya area since 1987. She teaches at UMass/Boston, runs a UMass/Boston field school in Belize each summer and lectures at Tufts.

Middleborough

MAS Annual Meeting

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 20, 1:30-4:30pm
LOCATION: Middleborough Public Library, 102 North Main Street
INFORMATION: Curtiss Hoffman at 508-531-2249, info@massarchaeology.org
SPONSOR: Massachusetts Archaeological Society, www.massarchaeology.org
ADMISSION: $10
The annual meeting of the Massachusetts Archaeological Society (MAS) will feature speakers on a variety of topics of interest to the general public. Visit our website at www.massarchaeology.org for a full program description.

Milton

A Trap Door in the Parlor

DATE & TIME: Sunday, October 21, 1-3pm
LOCATION: Suffolk Resolves House, 1370 Canton Avenue
INFORMATION: programs@miltonhistoricalsociety.org, www.miltonhistoricalsociety.org
SPONSOR: Milton Historical Society
ADMISSION: Free
Rarely open to the public and unknown to most visitors, a trap door in the parlor of the Suffolk Resolves House leads to a granite room of uncertain purpose. Can you tell its age from the quarrymen’s marks, or its use from the artifacts found in the dirt floor? Fit the clues together and draw your own conclusions. Hands-on mystery solving for ages 9 and up.

Newbury

Dirt Detectives – Field Archaeology

DATE & TIME: Please contact Historic New England for scheduling
LOCATION: Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm
INFORMATION: 978-462-4022, newburyed@historicnewengland.org
SPONSOR: Historic New England
ADMISSION: $9 per student, teachers and chaperones are free.
This two hour program for students in Grades 3 to 8 unites science and history in one exciting program. Students become archaeologists as they search for artifacts and excavate a mock pit with the tools and techniques used in archaeology. Students collaborate as they piece together reproduction artifacts in the field lab. Inside the museum, they explore building archaeology via trap doors revealing 300 years of history. Students also learn about the artifacts that were discovered in archaeology completed here at the farm by Boston University students in the 1980’s. This is a hands-on experiential learning program.

North Adams

Gobekli Tepe… Stone Silent

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 6, 3pm
LOCATION: Western Gateway Heritage State Park, 115 State Street, Visitors Museum, Building 4
INFORMATION: 413-663-6312
SPONSOR: Department of Conservation and Recreation, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
ADMISSION: Free
Gobekli Tepe is a hilltop sanctuary on a mountain ridge in southeastern Turkey. Here archaeologists have uncovered a vast temple complex, a structure so ancient that it may redefine antiquity. The temple was built 11,500 years ago – a staggering 7,000 years before the Great Pyramid, and more than 6,000 years before Stonehenge. The ruins predate villages, pottery, domesticated animals, and even agriculture – the first symbols of civilization.

Apocalypse Again! … The Mayan Calendar

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 13, 3pm
LOCATION: Western Gateway Heritage State Park, 115 State Street, Visitors Museum, Building 4
INFORMATION: 413-663-6312
SPONSOR: Department of Conservation and Recreation, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
ADMISSION: Free
Add 2012 to the long list of “Apocalypse” scenarios. This illustrated lecture will explore both the culture and calendar of the ancient Mayan. Their silent rediscovered cities and writings have been awakened and have extended our knowledge while exciting our imaginations.

Norwell

Family Archaeology Day

DATE & TIME: Monday, October 8, 11am-2pm
LOCATION: South Shore Natural Science Center, 48 Jacob's Lane
INFORMATION: 781-659-2559, www.ssnsc.org
SPONSOR: South Shore Natural Science Center/SSYMCA
ADMISSION: Adults: $7, Seniors: $5, Children (2-15): $3, Seniors: $5
Join us for a fun hands-on mock archaeological dig. Visitors will use special tools to excavate fragments of the past. Come and see what you will find! While you are here you can visit our museum’s collection of Early American artifacts and our living collection of native New England animals. Suitable for children of all ages accompanied by adults.

Adventures in Africa

DATE & TIME: Wednesday, October 24, 7pm
LOCATION: South Shore Natural Science Center, 48 Jacob’s Lane
INFORMATION: 781-659-2559, www.ssnsc.org
SPONSOR: South Shore Natural Science Center/SSYMCA
ADMISSION: Members: $13, Non-Members: $15
Andy Bergsten of Bergsten Music will share his travel adventures from the Rift Valley in Ethiopia. His slide show will feature animals of the Serengeti and the excavation site where “Lucy”, one the oldest human ancestors, was discovered. In addition, Andy will demonstrate African drumming circles with enough percussion instruments for all to participate. Please call ahead to pre-register for this fun and educational evening.

Paxton

An Ever Widening Circle: The People of the Lighthouse, Barkhamsted, CT

DATE & TIME: Wednesday, October 17, 7pm
LOCATION: Anna Maria College, Zecco Performing Arts Center, 50 Sunset Lane
INFORMATION: bauclair@annamaria.edu, www.annamaria.edu
SPONSOR: Anna Maria College
ADMISSION: Free
An 1854 Connecticut newspaper article described the remains of a small village of destitute people in the northwestern town of Barkhamsted, CT. According to the newspaper, the village, called the “Lighthouse,” was inhabited by a mixed group of Native Americans, descendants of African slaves, and poor white people. The village has been excavated in four archaeological field schools, revealing the remarkable story of this multi-cultural community. This presentation focuses on what we have learned about the Lighthouse people.

Pelham

An Archaeology of Native American History in Western Massachusetts: 10,000 BC to 1700 AD

DATE & TIME: Monday, October 1, 7pm
LOCATION: Pelham Community Center, Ramsdell Room
INFORMATION: www.pelhamhs.org/calendar.php
SPONSOR: Pelham Library and Pelham Historical Society
ADMISSION: Free
A lecture by Professor Elizabeth S. Chilton, Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Highlights of Massachusetts Archaeology

DATE & TIME: Monday, October 22, 7pm
LOCATION: Pelham Community Center, Ramsdell Room
INFORMATION: www.pelhamhs.org/calendar.php
SPONSOR: Pelham Library and Pelham Historical Society
ADMISSION: Free
An illustrated talk by Professor Eric Johnson, Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Bring artifacts you have found in Pelham for identification!

A Woman’s Place is in the Home: The Archaeology of Race and Gender at the W. E. B. Du Bois Homesite, Great Barrington, MA

DATE & TIME: Monday, October 29, 7pm
LOCATION: Pelham Community Center, Ramsdell Room
INFORMATION: www.pelhamhs.org/calendar.php
SPONSOR: Pelham Library and Pelham Historical Society
ADMISSION: Free
A lecture by Professor Whitney Battle-Baptiste, UMass Amherst. After three archaeological field schools, we have recovered more than 30,000 artifacts and have developed a detailed understanding of the configuration of the homelot where Du Bois spent his formative years. These broken plates and glasses tell us about the Black Burghardt family, the dreams and desires of W. E. B. Du Bois, and provide us with the basis for a larger discussion of race in New England.

Plymouth

Archaeology Exhibits

DATE & TIME: Ongoing throughout October, Mondays through Saturdays
LOCATION: Plymouth Public Library, 132 South Street
INFORMATION: 508-830-4250, plreference@hotmail.com
SPONSOR: Plymouth Public Library
ADMISSION: Free
During the months of October and November, Plymouth Public Library will feature a display in the main library which will highlight local archaeological discoveries. Please check our website for more specific information about our observance of Archaeology Month. Library hours are Monday to Wednesday 10am to 9pm, Thursday 10am to 6pm, and Friday and Saturday 10am to 5:30pm.

Myles Standish Archaeology

DATE & TIME: Ongoing throughout October, Saturdays 10am-4pm
LOCATION: Pilgrim Hall Museum, 75 Court Street
INFORMATION: www.pilgrimhall.org
SPONSOR: Pilgrim Hall Museum
ADMISSION: Adults: $8, Children: $5
Pilgrim Hall Museum will display its Myles Standish Archaeology collection every Saturday in October from 10am to 4pm. The collection is from the 1856 excavation of the Standish Homesite in Duxbury, the nation’s first professional archaeological dig. The site and collection date from ca.1630 to ca.1710. Visitors will have the opportunity to examine the collection of artifacts up close, see the original excavation diagram and ask questions.

Archaeology and History Scavenger Hunt on Burial Hill

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 13, 1pm
LOCATION: Meet at the main entrance of Burial Hill Cemetery in Town Square
INFORMATION: Cheryle Caputo at 781-706-5531, cheryle.burialhillfriend@verizon.net, June Gillette at june.burialhillfriend@comcast.net
SPONSOR:Friends of Burial Hill
ADMISSION: Free
Join the Friends of Burial Hill and the Plymouth Archaeological Rediscovery Project for a fun self-guided scavenger hunt on Plymouth’s historic Burial Hill. Learn interesting facts about Plymouth’s history, and the potential for archaeological investigations on Burial Hill and the importance of the preservation of burial monuments while searching for all of the hidden scavenger hunt boxes. Director and principal archaeologist Craig Chartier from the Plymouth Archaeological Rediscovery Project will be on hand to talk about archaeology and Plymouth Colony history with anyone interested. Feel free to bring that weird rock that you found in the yard or that sherd of pottery from your garden for him to identify as well.

Archaeology Day at Myles Standish State Forest… “So you want to be an Archaeologist?”

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 29, 10am-4pm (Rain date Sunday, October 30)
LOCATION: Myles Standish State Forest, Meet at the amphitheater behind the headquarters building
INFORMATION: 617-626-1377, ellen.berkland@state.ma.us
SPONSOR: Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
ADMISSION: Free
Get your hands dirty with the DCR archaeologist. A brief introduction to the science of archaeology will set the stage for a day of digging, washing, recording, mapping, cataloguing and much more! Stay for an hour or the day. Bring lunch, water and work-gloves. All ages welcome. Call MSSF Event line at 508-866-2580 x165 for cancellation information.

Pittsfield

Renewable Energy at the City of Peace: Hancock Shaker Village Water Power and Archaeology Tour

DATE & TIME: Sunday, October 14, 10:30am
LOCATION: Please meet at Hancock Shaker Village Visitor Center, 34 Lebanon Mountain Road, Hancock, MA
INFORMATION: www.hancockshakervillage.org
SPONSOR: Hancock Shaker Village
ADMISSION: Free hike, if participants also wish to tour the rest of the Village on their own, regular admission fees apply (Adults: $17, Youth (ages 13-17): $8, Children (12 and under): Free
This “Green Tour” will focus on the Hancock Shakers’ 19th-century water power technology, and other examples of renewable energy at the Village. Included will be a demonstration of the 1858 water power turbine, and an easy to moderate hike to the Village’s North Family archaeological site to view remains of Shaker buildings and dams. Clothing and footwear appropriate for walking in fields and woods is required.

Quincy

Lyons Turning Mill Site Tour

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 13 10am-2pm (Rain date Saturday, October 20)
LOCATION: Quarry Hills Drive, off of Ricciuti Drive
INFORMATION: 617-472-1322, quincyquarrymuseum@verizon.net
SPONSOR: Quincy Quarry and Granite Workers Museum, www.quincyquarrymuseum.org
ADMISSION: Free
Event consists of continual guided tours of the remains of the historic Lyons Turning Mill site and the surrounding Lyons Quarry area where artifacts of Quincy’s granite industry can be seen. Interpretive information explaining the artifacts will be displayed. Informational tables will be set up with historical photos of Quincy’s granite history. Also on display will be information on the proposed Quincy Quarry and Granite Workers Museum to be built on a portion of the mill site grounds.

Archaeology Day at the Blue Hills Reservation… “So You Want to be an Archaeologist?”

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 27, 10am-3pm (Rain date Sunday, October 28)
LOCATION: Blue Hills Reservation, Quincy Quarries
INFORMATION: 617-626-1377, ellen.berkland@state.ma.us
SPONSOR: Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
ADMISSION: Free
Get your hands dirty with the DCR archaeologist. A brief introduction to the science of archaeology will set the stage for a day of digging, washing, recording, mapping, cataloguing and much more! Stay for an hour or the day. Bring lunch, water and work-gloves. All ages welcome. Meet at the parking lot on Ricciuti Drive. Call BHR Event Line at 617-698-1802 x 3 for cancellation information.

Randolph

Dig This, Randolph!

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 13 11am
LOCATION: Turner Free Library, 2 North Main Street
INFORMATION: 781-961-0932, ralib@ocln.org
SPONSOR: Friends of the Turner Free Library, www.turnerfreelibrary.org
ADMISSION: Free
Fun event for families to increase awareness about local archaeology!

Rockland

Buried Treasure: An Introduction to Archaeology

DATE & TIME: Friday, October 19 3:30-4:45pm
LOCATION: Rockland Memorial Library Community Room, 20 Belmont Street
INFORMATION: 781-878-1236, jlwcann@aol.com
SPONSOR: Friends of Rockland Memorial Library Foundation, www.rocklandmemoriallibrary.org
ADMISSION: Free, pre-registration recommended
Experience the world of archaeology with hands-on activities that will help you clue into the past. Examine artifacts from pre-Contact and historic periods and learn how to identify them. Learn about the 30 31 science of archaeology and bring your favorite artifact for identification. Suitable for ages 8 and older. Preregistration is recommended, please call 781-878-1236. Limit to 30 families.

Rowe

A Walk to Historic Fort Pelham

DATE & TIME: Sunday, October 14, 2pm
LOCATION: Site of Fort Pelham and Kemp-McCarthy Museum, 282 Zoar Road
INFORMATION: 413-339-4238, www.rowehistoricalsociety.org
SPONSOR: Rowe Historical Society, Inc.
ADMISSION: $5 donation is appreciated
A conducted walk from Ford Hill Road to the site of Fort Pelham and back, then by car to the Museum for light refreshments and a look at Fort Pelham artifacts as well as the rest of the Museum collection. Museum is fully handicapped accessibly, but Fort Pelham trail is not.

Salem

History and Archaeology of the Narbonne House

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 6, 11:30am and 1:30pm
LOCATION: Narbonne House, 71 Essex Street
INFORMATION: 617-242-5613 x225, Alicia_paresi@nps.gov
SPONSOR: Salem Maritime National Historic Site
ADMISSION: Free
Join us for 17th–Century Saturdays at the Narbonne House. Built in 1675, it is a wonderful example of a successful businessman’s home of the 17th century. The house retains a diverse set of architectural elements from its 300 years of occupancy and still sits on its original city lot. In the 1970s, the National Park Service conducted archeological fieldwork at the site in order to better understand the changes made to the structure and interior of the house over time. Thousands of artifacts were recovered during the excavations, which provide interesting insights into the history of the house and the lives of its occupants. Join Alicia Paresi, Curator of Archaeology, and Emily Murphy, Historian, of the National Park Service for a gallery talk on the architecture, history, and archaeological artifacts associated with this site. The house will be open from 11AM to 3 PM, and children’s activities will also be featured. Gallery talks will be at 11:30 and 1:30.

Tours of the Pickering House

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 13, 10am-3pm
LOCATION: The Pickering House, 18 Broad Street
INFORMATION: 978-744-1647
SPONSOR: The Pickering Foundation
ADMISSION: $5 per person
Tour Salem’s oldest house and America’s oldest home. The Pickering House has been ‘home” to a single family for over 350 years. Built in 1651 by settler John Pickering and his wife Elizabeth, it began as a two-room farmhouse that eventually added wings, gables, and Gothic peaks. It was home to carpenters, farmers, patriots, military leaders, deacons, diplomats, linguists, and statesmen. Come experience the richness of American history as you tour this unique American homestead.

Shrewsbury

Archaeological Lecture on Jerusalem

DATE & TIME: Sunday, October 14, 2-4pm
LOCATION: Shrewsbury Public Library, 609 Main Street
INFORMATION: 508-841-8531, www.shrewsbury-ma.gov/library
SPONSOR: Shrewsbury Public Library
ADMISSION: Free
Archaeologist Katharina Galor will speak about the archaeological data from various locations in Jerusalem that help us understand the context of the New Testament writings about Jesus. Dr. Galor is a visiting professor at Brown University.

Ghosts of the Titanic

DATE & TIME: Friday, October 19, Departure times 6:30pm and 6:45 pm
LOCATION: Shrewsbury Public Library, 609 Main Street
INFORMATION: 508-842-0081, www.shrewsbury-ma.gov/library
SPONSOR: Shrewsbury Public Library
ADMISSION: Free
Embark on a Titanic-themed archaeological journey through the Shrewsbury Public Library, as rows of books will be transformed into living quarters, meeting rooms will become ballrooms, and hallways will become decks on the ill-fated ship. Bringing to life some true-life details, families will learn fascinating facts from the ghosts of the Titanic.

Springfield

Native American Harvest Festival

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 6, 10am-4pm
LOCATION: Springfield Museums Quandrangle
INFORMATION: 413-263-6800 ext. 392, esavulis@springfieldmuseums.org
SPONSOR: Springfield Science Museum
ADMISSION: Free
The Native American Harvest Festival is a family program featuring Native dancing, songs, story-telling, demonstrations, craft vendors and artifact identification. The museum’s Native American hall features a life-sized diorama of a 3,000 year old stone bowl quarry. New exhibits about bead work and dolls are also featured.

Stoneham

The Archaeology of Haywardville

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 13, 10am
(Rain date Sunday, October 14)
LOCATION: Middlesex Fells Reservation
INFORMATION: 617-626-1377, ellen.berkland@state.ma.us
SPONSOR: Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
ADMISSION: Free
Enjoy an illustrated walking tour of the former mill town of Haywardville at the Middlesex Fells Reservation on the Melrose, Malden, and Stoneham line. Approximately a one and a half hour hike on very hilly terrain. Meet in the parking lot adjacent to the caretaker house at the corner of Pond Street and Woodland Road. Bring water and wear appropriate footwear.

Sturbridge

Take a Closer Look at the Archaeology of the Mill Sites

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 13, 10am
LOCATION: Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road
INFORMATION: www.osv.org
SPONSOR: Old Sturbridge Village
ADMISSION: Free with Village admission (Adults: $24, Seniors: $22, Children: $8, Children 2 and under: Free)
Nature and the hand of people have altered the flow of the Quinebaug River to operate mills on this site since the late 1700s. Join an Old Sturbridge Village historian and learn how the land, water, and their use have changed over time. Meet at the Old Sturbridge Village Sawmill.

Sudbury

Puffer Pond Archaeological Survey Findings

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 20, 1-3pm
LOCATION: Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, 680 Hudson Road
INFORMATION: 978-562-3527, kizette_ortizvanger@fws.gov
SPONSOR: Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge
ADMISSION: Free
Archeological surveys were conducted along the former Craven Lane at Puffer Pond now part of the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge. This site contains evidence of repeated occupation over an estimated 7,500 year span from the Middle Archaic to Late Woodland Periods. Duncan Ritchie, Public Archaeology Laboratory Senior Archaeologist will give a presentation on the findings which added to what is known about Native American settlement patterns, site formation processes, and lithic technology in the combined Sudbury River and Assabet River drainage.

Tewksbury

Third Annual Cemetery Tour

DATE & TIME: Friday, October 26, 7pm and Sunday October 28, 3pm
LOCATION: TOlde South Burial Grounds, Corner of Main Street and Shawsheen Street
INFORMATION: tesksburyhistoricalsociety.msn.com
SPONSOR: Tewksbury Historical Society, www.tewksburyhistoricalsociety.com
ADMISSION: Members: $6, Non-Members: $8
The Tewksbury Historical Society presents its Third Annual Cemetery Tour. This year’s tour will be held at the Olde South Burial Grounds located at the intersection of Main Street (Rt. 38) and Shawsheen Street. Col. Jonathan Brown, leader of the Southeast Militia to the Alarm of April 19, 1775 is buried here. It will be a night to honor the people who came before us. Children under 12 should come on Sunday.

Waltham

Oranges and Lemons in Perfection: Archaeology at the Gore Place Greenhouse

DATE & TIME: Wednesday, October 17, 7:30pm
LOCATION: Gore Place, 52 Gore Street
INFORMATION: Thom Roach at 781-894-2798
SPONSOR: The Gore Place Society, www.goreplace.org
ADMISSION: Free
On-going archaeological excavations are uncovering the 1806 greenhouse constructed for Christopher and Rebecca Gore. Archaeologists from UMass Boston will present an illustrated talk on what they have learned about this unusual and luxurious building. Excavations have uncovered fragments of marble floor tiles, hundreds of planting pot fragments, and many other elements of the structure.

Visit the Gore Place Excavation!

DATE & TIME: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, October 24, 25, and 26, 9am-12pm
LOCATION: Gore Place, 52 Gore Street
INFORMATION: fiske.center@umb.edu
SPONSOR: The Gore Place Society, www.goreplace.org
ADMISSION: Free
In partnership with the Gore Place Society, archaeologists from the Fiske Center at UMass Boston are conducting ongoing excavations at the late 18th/early 19th-century home of Massachusetts Governor and US Senator Christopher Gore and his wife Rebecca. Work this October and November will be on the site of the Gores’ 1806 greenhouse. Visitors can observe the excavations and ask the archaeologists questions about how they do their work and what they are finding. Learn what can be uncovered by doing archaeology around Massachusetts’ historic houses. Please note this event will not run in the event of steady rain.

Fourth Annual Brandeis Archaeology Symposium

DATE & TIME: Friday, October 26, 2pm
LOCATION: Levine-Ross, Hassenfeld Conference Center
INFORMATION: Laurel Carpenter at 781-736-2210, lcarpent@brandeis.edu
SPONSOR: Brandeis University, www.brandeis.edu/departments/anthro/news-events.html
ADMISSION: Free
The fourth annual Brandeis Archaeology Symposium, organized by graduate students from the Department of Anthropology, will draw together archaeology graduate students from regional institutions. Join us to learn about current research, field work and laboratory analysis. The symposium will provide a forum for students to meet and share ideas and research with their peers. A detailed list of speakers and abstracts will be posted on our website. www.brandeis.edu/departments/anthro/news-events/index.html

Wayland

Walking Together: Detection and Protection of Ancient Ceremonial Landscapes in Modern New England

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 27, 2-4pm
LOCATION: Wayland Town Building, 41 Cochituate Road
INFORMATION: Tonya Largy at 508-358-4646, tonya.largy@verizon.net
SPONSOR: Wayland Historical Commission, www.wayland.ma.us/Pages/WaylandMA_BComm/Historicalcom/index/
ADMISSION: Free
Public acknowledgement and protection of sites across New England includes Wayland. Narragansett Tribal input has provided creative solutions, saving sites while working within the challenges of today’s world. This talk explores preservation challenges and solutions, including wind turbines in the Atlantic.

Return to top