For
those of you who don’t know me, I am Erika Loveland and serve as the field
director for the Project. This is my fourth year working with the Project and
at the site. I truly love every bit of it! I completed the master’s program
through the Department of Anthropology at Western Michigan University in Spring
2017. My thesis, “Archaeological Evidence of Architectural Remains at Fort St.
Joseph (20BE23), Niles, MI,” examines the architectural remains of Fort St.
Joseph.
We
have our hands full with many different fun and exciting opportunities
throughout the year, especially during the field season. The Lecture Series,
for instance, began last Wednesday (check out Melanie’s blog) and will continue
for the next three upcoming Wednesdays in the Niles District Library at 7 pm.
These talks are awesome! Not only do they provide information on how technology
is used in archaeology, but they also allow everyone who attends to interact with
one another. Field school participants are able to share exciting news about
what they are uncovering at the site and community members share any knowledge
they have related to the fort. This informal opportunity to interact and
communicate is an important avenue for the Project as it truly highlights the
collaborative nature of our work.
One
of the best ways to find out more about what is going on is to continue the
in-person interaction. Site tours are offered every Friday at 12:30 pm (weather
permitting). It is really exciting to see the public, their interest in the
site, and their strong desire to learn more about what we are finding out. Please
come out and visit us, you will not be disappointed!
Our
site visitors also teach us a thing or two! Last week and today, the
local Pokagon Band of Potawatomi have brought out around 100 summer campers to
see the site and how the artifacts unearthed relate to their history and life
today. For example, the campers shared information about the use and production of beads
and tinkling cones with us. It was amazing to see their excitement! I know
that each one of the field school members enjoyed having them on site.
 |
| Eating lunch together at the site. The university students were excited to meet the 2018 middle-school campers. |
There
are more ways to share information about Fort St. Joseph, its inhabitants, and
archaeology beyond the lecture series and site visits. We often are invited to attend
a variety of events and programs happening in southwest Michigan. Pears Mill in
Buchanan, the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, the Mini Makers Faire in St. Joseph, the
Brothers of the Holy Cross in South Bend, and Nile’s own Third Thursday have
all invited us to come out, spread our enthusiasm, and convey knowledge about
archaeology. Additionally, the blog, Facebook, and Instagram are a few great
ways for us to post about happenings at the site. We enjoy looking to see how
many people read, “like,” and comment on our posts! Feedback from fort
followers is so nice to receive.
In
sum, there are many activities and opportunities that the Project participates
in and we love every minute of it! I hope to see you at an upcoming public
event. Please introduce yourself and tell me what interests you about Fort St. Joseph.
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