2012 Summer Archaeology Lecture Series Announced

We at the Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project are proud to present the schedule for the 2012 Lecture Series. These lectures will cover a variety of topics related to the military in historical and archaeological perspectives. These lectures are open to the public and feature prestigious speakers relating to the topic of focus. Listed below are the dates, times, and locations for the lectures. More details relating to the lectures at the Open House will be announced when available. Thank you again for your constant support. Hope to see you there!

July 11, 7 p.m.

Niles District Library

Shot and Shell Tell the Tale: Some New Interpretations from Military and Battlefield Archaeology

Douglas D. Scott This lecture will focus on how archeological evidence can be used with historical documentation to identify command and control or­ganization on a battlefield as well as see the loss of tactical cohesion.

July 25, 7 p.m.

Update: Will Be Held at the Niles District Library 

Firearms of New France

Larry Horrigan The history, use, and development of the flintlock in 17th and 18th cen­tury New France will be discussed. Authentic replicas will be displayed to assist in identifying the different types of fusils used by the French.

August 1, 7 p.m.

Niles Senior Center

Marines and Militia: The Military History of Fort St. Joseph

Robert C. Myers While never a mighty military stronghold, Fort St. Joseph neverthe­less figured prominently in the French effort to control the southern Lake Michigan region. In many conflicts, Fort St. Joseph showed its worth – and vulnerability – as a military outpost in colonial America.

August 8, 7 p.m.

Northern Indiana Center for History

Minding Militia: Canadian Militiamen and the Great Lakes during the Seven Years’ War

Joseph Gagné This presentation will examine the composition of the infamous Ca­nadian militia, their role in the Seven Years’ War, and what became of them after the war in the Great Lakes region.

August 11-12, time TBA

Fort St. Joseph Archaeology Open House

Guns of New France, 1700-59

Kevin Gladysz This presentation will examine the types of civilian flintlock guns traded, given or sold to allied Native tribes, voyageurs, fur traders, European settlers, and French colonial militiamen in New France from 1700-59.

Trade Knives and Axes of New France

Kevin Gladysz This presentation will cover the various types of French folding/ fixed-blade knives (e.g., Siamois, Flatin, Boucheron, Flamand) and axes (trade axes, Biscayan axes, and the famous casse-tête) used in the fur trade throughout the Great Lakes.