Settling Down in Niles

Hello all! My name is Meghan and I am working with Eleanor (Ele) Hein on public outreach this summer! You may remember me from last year, because I was one of the students in the field school and I was an independent study student. I graduated from WMU in December and accepted one of the Public Outreach Coordinator positions at the Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Field School. I am happy to return and promote Fort St. Joseph through a different means!

            Yesterday, July 5, our crew arrived in Niles and through a lot of sweat and hard work we are settled in at the Stables.  Once we were settled at our home base, the crew hit the ground running and began shovel test pitting (STP’s) in a new area. The crew broke ground yesterday at a local resident’s backyard to hone down their archaeological skills, as well as, explore a new area close to the St. Joseph River. Last night, the students were busy identifying areas to lay out our units for this field season. Many of the students, as well as the staff, were intrigued by Feature 27, our proposed new fireplace, and Feature 28, a potential corner to Structure 5.

Staff and students analyzing previous field notes to determine potential units. 

Today, the students are continuing their testing and honing of skills. Ele and I are helping by doing background research on the area by looking at Sanborn maps, Platt maps, and other documents that can tell us about who may have lived there and what they were doing. Performing STP’s and doing background research shows that archaeology and history is everywhere and that one does not have to travel far to explore the past. I love Fort St. Joseph and the Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project, because it constantly involves the local communities. Archaeology and history are for everyone and by including community members it allows them to explore the past.

Students performing shovel test pits. 

The Project has begun splendidly and other than a few mishaps with missing forks and no bowls we are off to a great start! The bowls and forks didn’t sidestep us too much, because we innovatively just ate our cereal out of cups. I am very excited to see what is uncovered this field season, and everyone is welcome to follow our discoveries! Our Open House is August 4^th and 5^th, and pit tours at the site will be starting soon! Ele and I, along with the staff and students, will keep you updated on our excavations!

            Thank you so much for your support!

Meghan