This Tuesday - July 1st - "The Ancient Native Americans’ Association With Cairn Sites" will be presented by David Johnson

David Johnson

"The Ancient Native Americans’ Association With Cairn Sites" will be presented by David Johnson, President of the Orange County Chapter of NYS Archaeology at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center (SRAC) at 345 Broad Street in Waverly, NY at 6:30pm on Tuesday, July 1st. The presentation will compare the Lewis Hollow Site, located near Woodstock, New York, with other sites in New York State, as well as the southwestern states and Peru.

The Lewis Hollow Cairn Site is characteristic of sites located throughout New York State, as well as other regions of the Western Hemisphere. Although cairn sites are considered sacred by Native American tribes, they have been neglected by other cultures and government agencies, thus they remain unprotected and subject to destruction. These sites share a commonality in setting, association with springs, cairns, effigy features, wall types and panoramic views. As more sites are added to the data base, the similarity remains consistent suggesting these sites were constructed by people with a common belief and / or origin. The sites reflect the Native American’s holistic view of earth and its surroundings, for example, springs with the underworld, surface features such as walls and cairns with the present world and astronomical alignments with the cosmos. Within the northeast, several cairn sites have been referred to by the earliest European settlers as existing at the time of their arrival, and Native Americans associate them with their ancestral heritage. This suggests many of these sites were constructed by the Native Americans who occupied the region for thousands of years. Cairn sites, like Lewis Hollow, deserve to be investigated more thoroughly, and those associated with Native Americans should be protected.

Since 1995 Johnson has been documenting the association between ancient Native American structures and stone features with areas of higher permeability within groundwater in three geographical regions of the Western Hemisphere, the southwestern and northeastern United States and Peru, South America. This research has lead to a more in-depth understanding of ancient structures and stone features such as cairns. Johnson is president of the Orange County Chapter of the New York State Archaeological Association and a former research associate with the Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts. He is a National Geographic Research and Exploration recipient and was awarded a doctoral degree for his research in Peru by the University of Engineering, Lima, Peru. Johnson has collaborated with archaeologists, hydrologists and geologists in all three geographical regions to develop a more in-depth understanding of the correlation between areas of higher permeability within groundwater and archaeological sites. Currently, Johnson is researching sites in the northeastern and southwestern states where he has research permits for several national parks and monuments, as well as Native American tribal lands.

Admission donation requested for this event is $6 for the general public and $4 for SRAC members.

Plans are underway for the second annual Waverly’s Attic/SRAC fundraiser in downtown Waverly, NY on Saturday, August 9^th, 2014. Last year’s event was a big success bringing hundreds of visitors to Waverly, with street vendors, clowns, great food, kids activities, Chinese auction,  free museum tours,  geode cutting, and a large auction all taking place on Broad Street. 

We are now requesting help in the form of volunteers, street vendor applications and donations for our huge street auction. People can donate household items, antiques, even automobiles to SRAC to sell at this auction, and we will even come and pickup whatever you have for your convenience. Anyone interested in helping in whatever way you can - can call me at (607)727-3111 or you can learn more at http://www.waverlysattic.com/ .

Thanks for whatever you can do!

Tuesday July 1st, The Ancient Native Americans’ Association With Cairn Sites

David Johnson

"The Ancient Native Americans’ Association With Cairn Sites" will be presented by David Johnson, President of the Orange County Chapter of NYS Archaeology at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center (SRAC) at 345 Broad Street in Waverly, NY at 6:30pm on Tuesday, July 1st. The presentation will compare the Lewis Hollow Site, located near Woodstock, New York, with other sites in New York State, as well as the southwestern states and Peru.

The Lewis Hollow Cairn Site is characteristic of sites located throughout New York State, as well as other regions of the Western Hemisphere. Although cairn sites are considered sacred by Native American tribes, they have been neglected by other cultures and government agencies, thus they remain unprotected and subject to destruction. These sites share a commonality in setting, association with springs, cairns, effigy features, wall types and panoramic views. As more sites are added to the data base, the similarity remains consistent suggesting these sites were constructed by people with a common belief and / or origin. The sites reflect the Native American’s holistic view of earth and its surroundings, for example, springs with the underworld, surface features such as walls and cairns with the present world and astronomical alignments with the cosmos. Within the northeast, several cairn sites have been referred to by the earliest European settlers as existing at the time of their arrival, and Native Americans associate them with their ancestral heritage. This suggests many of these sites were constructed by the Native Americans who occupied the region for thousands of years. Cairn sites, like Lewis Hollow, deserve to be investigated more thoroughly, and those associated with Native Americans should be protected.

Since 1995 Johnson has been documenting the association between ancient Native American structures and stone features with areas of higher permeability within groundwater in three geographical regions of the Western Hemisphere, the southwestern and northeastern United States and Peru, South America. This research has lead to a more in-depth understanding of ancient structures and stone features such as cairns. Johnson is president of the Orange County Chapter of the New York State Archaeological Association and a former research associate with the Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts. He is a National Geographic Research and Exploration recipient and was awarded a doctoral degree for his research in Peru by the University of Engineering, Lima, Peru. Johnson has collaborated with archaeologists, hydrologists and geologists in all three geographical regions to develop a more in-depth understanding of the correlation between areas of higher permeability within groundwater and archaeological sites. Currently, Johnson is researching sites in the northeastern and southwestern states where he has research permits for several national parks and monuments, as well as Native American tribal lands.

Admission donation requested for this event is $6 for the general public and $4 for SRAC members.

Athens Third Grade Class Visits SRAC

(WAVERLY. NY) The Athens third grade class spent a day with us at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center (SRAC) recently. Approximately 100 students spent their field trip learning about fossils and our Native American past by SRAC volunteers Sig Wilkinson and Ted Keir, both retired Athens teachers.

It was an afternoon filled with fun and I want to thank Ted and Sig and also Mary Keene who worked in the gift shop the whole time as well. It went off without a hitch and we all enjoyed it as much as the kids I bet!

Athens third grade teacher Claudia Chacona commented, "There is so much to see many of the artifacts were found in PA and better yet in and around the Susquehanna River. While visiting the museum our students learned so much history and science, our students were mesmerized. The museum is fascinating and is packed full of interesting artifacts. The Lynch Bustin Third Grade were broken into three groups, The Bears, the Eagles, and the Wolves. Each group wore a different colored tee shirts which were graciously donated by the Athens Rotary Club. The three groups were in competition to “Stump the Chump” meaning they had to come up with questions during their time with the volunteer instructors. Our students were learning and did not recognize this field trip was also a learning experience. If you ever get a chance, please stop in at the museum and check it out, you won’t be disappointed!"

SRAC is located at 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY and gives school field trips at no cost to our local schools.

Jewelry and Beading Class at SRAC Saturday June 14

A bead-working class is scheduled for Saturday, June 14th at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center at 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY from 11:30 am - 1:30pm.

Have you ever wished that you could find that one necklace or bracelet that would go with that special sweater or outfit that you like to wear? Have you ever wanted a special necklace that could show off a family heirloom or pendant? Have you ever just wanted to find a necklace made of that special gemstone or color scheme that you like so much? Many jewelers are adding custom jewelry making to their services to fill this need, but SRAC is offering the opportunity for people to create their own beaded jewelry at a fraction of the cost and with high quality gemstones!

On the Second Saturday of each month, Ellen Sisco holds classes at SRAC in basic and intermediate beading. Supplies include beads and all accessories to complete a necklace or bracelet. Hundreds of precious stones, clips, glass beads and polished glass chips are among the variety of items that the attendees will be able to choose from.

You can also call SRAC and request specific colors and/or gemstones that you want to make your jewelry with! Ellen will facilitate your needs and help you make the perfect piece of jewelry for yourself or for a gift for someone else. Fees for this two hour beading class is $25. RSVP's are greatly appreciated by calling the Center at (607)565-7960 or by emailing info@SRAcenter.org.

Plans Underway SRAC Fundraiser, Waverly's Attic

Plans are underway for the second annual Waverly’s Attic/SRAC fundraiser in downtown Waverly, NY on Saturday, August 9^th, 2014. Last year’s event was a big success bringing hundreds of visitors to Waverly, with street vendors, clowns, great food, kids activities, Chinese auction,  free museum tours,  geode cutting, and a large auction all taking place on Broad Street.  SRAC event organizer and executive director, Deb Twigg explained, “We are now requesting street vendor applications and donations for our huge street auction. People can donate household items, antiques, even automobiles to SRAC to sell at this auction, and we will even come and pickup whatever you have for your convenience. Anyone interested in donating items or having a vendor tent at the event can call me at (607)727-3111 or you can learn more at http://www.waverlysattic.com/ .” 

A new addition to Waverly’s Attic this year will be Bike Tioga. Bike Tioga is not a race, but an organized ride of approximately 20, 40, or 60 miles with various elevations.  This ride is designed to promote healthy living while displaying the county’s natural beauty and local businesses.  Riders are encouraged to stop along the way to visit local business and tourist attractions.  Picnic lunches and farm visits have been popular stops in the past and the event has always emphasized a relaxed, fun environment.   

“We are excited about bringing this popular event to the Waverly area and showing Bike Tioga participants everything that Tioga County has to offer,” said Kim Depew, Bike Tioga committee member.  “Bikers will be able to travel throughout the county and see local businesses and other attractions along the bike routes.”

Committee members have been working hard to make this year’s Bike Tioga event a memorable experience.  Committee members include: Deb Twigg, SRAC Executive Director; Kim Depew, Marketing Manager at Tioga State Bank; Alan & Brie Burgess, owners of the Railhouse Restaurant; Jessica Schillmoeller, Director at Worker Ownership Resource; Dan Gellatt, Waverly Police Chief, and Becca Maffei, Tioga County Tourism Director.  If you would like more information on Bike Tioga, please call the Tioga County Tourism Office at 607-687-7440.  

Twigg added, “Make sure to mark Saturday August 9^th on your calendars for a great event in downtown Waverly that will be jam packed with great things to do with your friends and family. It will be a wonderful time and will help support  the Susquehanna River Archeological Center (SRAC).”

Tuesday June 3rd, CANCELLED ” Archaeology of a War of 1812 Soldier’s Hut at Cantonment Saranac, Plattsburgh, NY

Timothy Abel, PhD

CANCELLED DUE TO DEATH IN FAMILY

Adjunct professor of anthropology at Jefferson Community College and SUNY Canton, NY by Timothy Abel, PhD will present  “I Wish You Could See the Style in Which We Live:” Archaeology of a War of 1812 Soldier’s Hut at Cantonment Saranac, Plattsburgh, NY at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center at 345 Broad Street Waverly, NY on Tuesday June 3rd from 6:30 - 7:30pm.

In the summers of 2012 and 2013, archaeologists and students from Clinton Community College conducted excavations at the Zagreb site, part of Col. Zebulon Pike's 1812-1813 winter cantonment in Plattsburgh, New York.  Excavations have revealed a modest structure roughly 12'x16' with several architectural features apparent.  Artifacts found in the cabin corroborate the documentary record of the camp's destruction in the summer of 1813, as well as giving details about the lives of soldiers that occupied it.  This evidence, combined with historical accounts, paints a picture of misery for the army camped there 200 years ago.

Admission donation for the presentation of $6 for general admission and $4 for SRAC members is appreciated. Doors open at 6pm with the opportunity for all visitors to tour the SRAC exhibit hall as a part of the night's event for free.

Timothy Abel, PhD will present  “I Wish You Could See the Style in Which We Live:” Archaeology of a War of 1812 Soldier’s Hut at Cantonment Saranac, Plattsburgh, NY at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center at 345 Broad Street Waverly, NY on Tuesday June 3rd from 6:30 - 7:30pm.