FSJAP ALUM: John Cardinal

Hi folks,

      This is John Cardinal again, I participated in the Fort St. Joseph Archaeology Project’s field 

school in 2013. I was also a student intern for the Project from 2014 to 2015. Since graduating from 

Western Michigan University in 2016, I worked as an archaeology crew member for Mackinac State 

Historic Parks at Fort Michilimackinac. In 2018, I was hired by Fort Ticonderoga in Upstate New 

York to build exhibits and mounts, and to assist with the archaeology of the site. 

John Cardinal, archaeologist and boat builder, working on his canoe. Photo Credit: Unknown.


Here is a first person shot of John canoeing on Lake Champlain. Photo Credit: John Cardinal.


Another canoe shot, but this time with Fort Ticonderoga on the horizon. Photo Credit: John Cardinal.


Snow covered cannons lined along the parapets of Fort Ticonderoga. Photo Credit: John Cardinal.

      During the onset of the pandemic, I was able to continue working for Fort Ticonderoga by 

building mounts and assisting with cataloging artifacts. But unfortunately, I was laid off from the Fort 

and applied to safely work part-time at a local hardware store. Eventually I was called back to the 

Fort, and since then I have keeping busy by working both jobs. The Fort has had me working on 

mounts, cataloging, along with making videos. I've been using my down time to try new hobbies, 

pick up old ones, read about archaeological theory, and look towards the future by scoping out 

graduate programs. I am hoping that the pandemic will give me the chance to further my academic 

education.


Until next time,

John Cardinal