Field Trip Time at Field School

On Thursday, July 14^th, our 2016 field school team attended a lecture by Dr. Anna-Lisa Cox at the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center, titled “The First Tillers of the Land: The Fight for Freedom and Equality on the Midwestern Frontier.” Dr. Cox creatively spoke about the various obstacles that the first African American settlers experienced in the Northwest frontier. They struggled financially, and faced racism at its worst, but despite all of this, came by thousands to the area. After her lecture, Dr. Cox mentioned that she finds these stories extremely important because they are otherwise not spoken about. The challenges and successes of these African American heroes often fall into the category of “hidden histories,” and because of this, I find her research on the subject an inspiration to all of those who listen.

          

The 2016 Field School (Photo Credit: Genna Perry)

  Educational lectures are extremely beneficial to communities. Similar to the lecture series that Fort St. Joseph invites the public to, speakers provide their audience with intriguing information about their research and experiences. Lectures are among the many ways that a community can bond over education. Many have an interest in history and many more have an interest in the histories that are not known to all. In my opinion, that is the best part of archaeology. At Fort St. Joseph we are recovering artifacts that are allowing us to learn more about the history of Niles, and the history of those that lived in this area before us. As we learn more about the people that lived at the fort, we are better able to teach the community about the stories they previously did not have access to.

            It is very rewarding to be a part of the Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project, and to gain information that the city has been longing for the past several years. We encourage all of you to consider attending our lecture series this summer beginning July 20^th, and to attend any others in the area that you find an interest in. “Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching.” 

-Anne