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Unearthing the Raquette's Ancient Past [S-15-59]

Come see Potsdam like never before. This course literally walks students outside, through the archaeological excavations carried out at the Lehman Park site near SUNY Potsdam. Participants will learn how archaeologists gain insight into ancient lifeways and changing environments by studying the artifacts people left behind and the soils that buried them. Cap: 20

Tim Messner is an Assistant Professor of Archaeology in the Anthropology Department at SUNY Potsdam. His research examines the relationship between people and the environment in the past and present. His work is mainly focused in eastern North America, though the topics he pursues have far-reaching implications. Currently, he is exploring the relationship between ancient people living in the St. Lawrence River Valley and the Adirondack Mountains.

NOTE: This class is held both inside (in Maxcy 104 - meet there first) and then outside at the nearby Lehman Park (by the Raquette River); come prepared for whatever the outside weather is that day. The walk to the site is about 1/4 mile on uneven, sometimes rocky, terrain (it can be treacherous for cars to try to drive there). It is advisable to wear boots. Bring work gloves.