"Stories From the Natural World" - by Ed Nizalowski,

When: Tue, September 7, 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Where: SRAC - 345 Broad Street Waverly, NY

*Stories From the Natural World*, by Ed Nizalowski, Newark Valley Historical Society The Southern Tier prior to the Revolutionary War was the realm of Native Americans who took the bounty of the land, soil and forest in ways that had been developed and sustained for centuries. Although native tribes had altered the environment to suit special needs, the white settlers who streamed in after the Revolution entered a cornucopia of animal life and plant life all sustained by a forest that offered some of the finest building material in the world.

Nizalowski will present how the past 200+ years the transformation that has taken place in the natural world of the Southern Tier has been remarkable to say the least. Those interested in wildlife can read the first reports of animals making their reappearance in Tioga County including the white tail deer, beaver, bear, coyote and bald eagle. Three possible sightings of the eastern mountain lion are sure to be intriguing. Forest history includes accounts of the chestnut blight, Dutch elm disease, wide spread tree plantings in the first quarter of the century and the development of state forests in the 1930's. Ed has been involved with the Newark Valley Historical Society for over 30 years and has developed a special interest in ethnic, immigrant and minority groups along with both agricultural and environmental history.

Doors open at 6pm. Admission is $5 for adults , $4 for SRAC members and students.

The Woolly Mammoth Discussion Continues - September 4th

Even though many of you have visited the woolly mammoth panoramic exhibit at SRAC, I wanted to call attention to the landscapes where our SRAC woolly mammoth meanders to the Chemung River for a drink. A closer look will reveal pastures of grasses and small shrubs and few trees that preceded any forests that later would cover our region. This information was given to our muralist, Peter Quilles, as he began to make our exhibit murals, as was the fact that the height at the shoulders of mammoths reached between 12 - 14 feet; making the mere size of these great beasts a consideration of just what kind of landscape they could navigate through. In fact, as I talk with visitor's to the exhibit, I often still make that point.

As a result, I found it interesting that a recent study by Durham University scientists claims that dwindling green pastures, not hunting, nor comets may have killed off the mammoth. According to ScienceDaily.com, "It shows that, over a huge part of the Earth's surface, there was a massive decline in the productivity and extent of grasslands due to climatic warming and the spread of forests. These habitat changes made grazing much more difficult for large mammals and dramatically reduced the amount of food available for them."

On Saturday, September 4th, from 2-3pm, Dave Kohler, past President of the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology and a Regional Conservation Archeologist with Carnegie Museum will present his report of that Newton Mammoth in Asylum Township, Bradford County, PA that is represented in SRAC's woolly mammoth exhibit. The two-season excavation took place in 1983, and the Andaste Chapter of PA Archaeology volunteered hundreds of hours to make it what many claim to be the most important excavation in Pennsylvania history. Dave will share his own personal slides and share his perspectives of the two summers spent excavating the mammoth who lived approximately 14,250 years ago.

This presentation is sponsored by the Andaste Chapter of PA Archaeology and is free to attend.

NYS MACE to be on Display!

For SRAC Members Only...

For any of you that have been a member at SRAC over the years - you already know that we are the hardest working organization when it comes to providing rewards for our proud membership card olders. Another example of this will be at the 2010, 7th Annual SRAC DrumBeats to be held on October 2nd. The event opens for the public at 1pm, but members are invited to the annual membership luncheon meeting where we will give you access to see the only Mississippian Mace known to be found in New York State. This is the same mace that was in the lead article of the recent SRAC Journal that all members have received in the past week; and it may just be a key to unlocking more information about the origins of the great Susquehannocks that once ruled our region.

Other states such as Illinois and Missouri have museums with maces (that truthfully aren't as nice as this!) in their inventory, but they have informed me that that they are so rare and delicate that they are locked away and are seldomly available for public view. That is why we spoke with the owner of the mace and he has agreed to get it out of a safe at an undisclosed location just for our meeting between 11:30am and 1 and then it will again go back into a safe again. As you can see...this will most likely be a once in a lifetime opportunity for our members - and we wanted to make sure that you were aware of how significant the piece is and that you may never have the opportunity to see it again.

Not a Current SRAC Member?

Because of the special access we are offering - if you received a letter in the last SRAC Journal stating that your membership has run out, you must renew it before the meeting, or plan to do so at that time or I am sorry to say - you will not be allowed access to the membership meeting. If you are not currently a member of SRAC or need to reup your membership - you can do so today by clicking here.

I am so amazed at all of the accomplishments we have achieved each and every year, and we could not have done any of it without your support. I hope that you realize how much we value your membership and I hope that you can attend this very special event that we have planned for you this year.

SRAC DrumBeats Event Schedule

11:30 – 1:00pm : Exclusive Annual Membership Meeting & Luncheon
1:00: Doors Open to the Public
1:30 – 2:30: DeeAnne Wymer, PhD, Bloomsburg Univ., “The Ohio Mastodon” as covered by National Geographic and Discovery Channel
3:00 – 4:00: Buffalo Creek Seneca Dancers: music, songs, culture, regalia, and friendship!
5:00: Doors Close

Admission to this event is free!

August Events at SRAC

Barclay Mountain by Matt Carl - BCHS Tue, August 3, 6:30pm – 7:30pm at SRAC - 345 Broad Street Waverly, NY
"Old Barclay: A History of Coal Mining on Barclay Mountain" "Old Barclay: A History of Coal Mining on Barclay Mountain" reviews the story of Barclay Mountain's now deserted coal mining settlements, including Barclay, Fall Creek, Dublin, Graydon, Foot of Plane, Carbon Run, and Long Valley. The old methods of coal mining are described and the development of the incline plane, railroad, and canal system are also briefly discussed. General Admission: $5, SRAC members and students $4. Admission price includes admission to the SRAC exhibit hall. Presale tickets are available at SRAC during normal business hours.

Stacey Jones "Ghost Cop" & TV Personality Sat, August 7, 6:30pm – 7:30pm at SRAC: 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY
Stacey Jones "Ghost Cop": Top female Paranormal Investigator in USA Stacey was on 2 episodes of "A Haunting" on Discovery Channel; "Hidden Terror" and "Ghost Hunter" She was also on the series "One Step Beyond"-Discovery Channel, and featured on upcoming episode of "Ghost Adventures", She is also the lead in upcoming "CNY Spirits" -The CW Syracuse 8/28/10 Stacey gives lectures around the country for colleges, universities and Paranormal Conferences and founded 1st Paranormal Investigation Team in New York-called the "Central New York Ghost Hunters" which is the largest group in New York state. She has 25 years experience and CNY Ghost Hunters have been voted 2nd Best Organization in USA! Don't miss your chance to meet the most experienced paranormal investigator New York state! General Admission: $6, SRAC members and students $4. Admission price includes admission to the SRAC exhibit hall. Presale tickets are available at SRAC during normal business hours.

PA Andaste Chapter of Archaeology: The Kennedy Site: by Ted Keir Mon, August 16, 6:30pm – 7:30pm at SRAC - 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY
The "Kennedy site" is the Athens Susquehannock archaeological site having a large longhouse and village. Historical artifacts were found at the site that relate the people who lived there to those who were were thought to have left our region earlier than this site suggests, while other artifacts relate the site to some of the earlier sites known in Athens. As result, this site and our area has been thought of by many as the birth place of the Susquehannock warriors - who would become the only tribe that the Iroquois would ever fear. Many other interesting facts about this site will be shared on this free night of education presented by the Andaste Chapter of Pennsylvania and Ted Keir. Admission: Free Admission Night!

SRAC Events - July 2010

Don't miss out on all of the fun at SRAC this summer. From the SRAC Exhibit Hall full of thousands of local Native American artifacts to the new Woolly Mammoth Exhibit to great events that are fun for all ages - SRAC has something for everyone to enjoy!

Upcoming events include:

Northeastern PA Paranormal Team - "The Gettysburg Reveal"
When: Sat, June 26, 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: SRAC 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY (map)
Description: The NEPA Paranormal team will be at SRAC to discuss their most active site to date - Gettysburg. Known by many for it's historic value, Gettysburg is gaining new popularity by paranormal groups across the country. The team will present their findings and also allow two lucky ticket holders at the event to accompany the NEPA team on an upcoming paranormal investigation! Admission is $6 per adult, $5 for SRAC members and students. Get your tickets ealy for this one if you want by stopping in SRAC during normal business hours. Admission includes entrance to the SRAC exhibit hall.

History's Mysteries - Discovery Mountain, David G.
When: Tue, July 6, 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: SRAC - 345 Broad Street Waverly, NY
Description: This presentation will provide evidence for the recent discovery of a previously undocumented and relatively intact possible archaeoastronomy site in northeastern Pennsylvania which appears to be several thousand years old. The core of current work at the site involves four ten-to-twenty-ton zoomorphic boulders arranged in a meadow in a way that seasonal events are clearly marked by the position of the sun. Preliminary research theorizes a date of original construction as early as 1825 BCE with more recent modifications done in 125 BCE. Could it be that early native people constructed such a site, or is pre-Columbian trans-Atlantic exploration a possibility? Or is this the random work of a glacier? Come join in the discussion. Presentation will also include a detailed slide-show of the boulders and the work behind the research as well as some spectacular photos of solstice and equinox events. Ongoing research into the site will also be discussed including the possible remains of a nearby stone chamber connected to summer solstice, nearby cairns, as well as more recent woodland Native American use of the area. Admission is $5 per adult, $4 for SRAC members and students. Admission includes entrance to the SRAC exhibit hall.

Workshop: Native American Style Bone Bead Choker - Ellen Sisco
When: Sat, July 10, 1pm – 3pm
Where: SRAC- 345 Broad Street Waverly, NY
Description: Create Your Own Native American style Bone Bead Choker The workshop would include instruction about the history and use of these necklaces, and the origin of the "hair-pipe" beads. There will be several sample styles, colors and layouts available to provide guidance or too stimulate the participant to create their own design, for which there would be ample opportunity. Instructor will provide all bone beads, horn beads, glass beads, stringing supplies, templates, leather ends and deerskin strings for each project, as will as a demonstration of the process of making the project. She will also provide a number of adornments (eg. stone or shell, and charms of many sorts) for each project. The participation fee would be $23.00. There will be sufficient supplies should anyone wish to complete additional projects either during the program or at home after the program, for which there would be a nominal charge of $6.00 & cost of charm. Participants will learn a brief history of Hair pipe Beads and their uses; how to design and lay out the components of a choker; how to assemble and complete a choker. Class Fee: $23.00 Instructor: Ellen Sisco Email info@sracenter.org to enroll for this class today!

Andaste Chapter of PA Archaeology Presents: The Orange County Mastadon, by Gary Keeton, New York State Archaeology Member
When: Sat, July 10, 2pm – 3pm
Where: SRAC- 345 Broad Street Waverly, NY (map)
Description: The discovery of a 9-foot-long mastodon tusk in Orange County, NY will provide scientists with a new source of information about the prehistoric animal, according to the men who found and helped exhume it. Naturalist Gary Keeton, will talk about the discovery from 2009 in detail. The tusk, the longest ever found in New York, is expected to provide clues about the animal's age, its eating and travel habits, and the geography of our region some 13,000 years ago. Admission: Adults - $4, Students and seniors $3, Andaste Chapter and SRAC members free.

Workshop: Make Your Own Semi-Precious Jewelry with Ellen Sisco
When: Sat, July 24, 1pm – 3pm
Where: SRAC- 345 Broad Street Waverly, NY
Description: Make Your Own Semiprecious Stone Jewelry with Ellen Sisco This workshop will provide instruction in bead stringing and earring-making for participants. Instruction will begin with an explanation and demonstration of the various types of stringing techniques, as well as the various styles of earrings available to be made. Participants would have the opportunity to make a necklace and matching earrings of their choice from the wide variety of stone and glass beads which will be made available. They will be provided with the correct materials with which to construct their jewelry, and all the findings (clasps, earring parts, etc.) with which to complete them. They will be shown some sample designs, and encouraged to use their own likes and dislikes in choosing a design, colors, styles, and shapes of the beads they use to make up to a 24" necklace and matching earrings. The cost of this presentation's materials fee is $25.00. Instructor: Ellen Sisco Email info@sracenter.org to enroll for this class today!

Barclay Mountain by Matt Carl - Bradford County Historical Society
When: Tue, August 3, 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: SRAC - 345 Broad Street Waverly, NY
Description: "Old Barclay: A History of Coal Mining on Barclay Mountain" "Old Barclay: A History of Coal Mining on Barclay Mountain" reviews the story of Barclay Mountain's now deserted coal mining settlements, including Barclay, Fall Creek, Dublin, Graydon, Foot of Plane, Carbon Run, and Long Valley. The old methods of coal mining are described and the development of the incline plane, railroad, and canal system are also briefly discussed. Matthew Carl is Manager/Curator at the Bradford County Historical Society. Admission is $5 per adult, $4 for SRAC members and students. Admission includes entrance to the SRAC exhibit hall.

Stay tuned for additional events throughout the summer!(SRAC Events Calendar)

Don't forget - SRAC members attend all SRAC exhibits for FREE every day and kids who take the SRAC Exhibit Hall Quiz win a free prize! Join today!

Hours of Operation: Tuesdays - Fridays 1 - 5pm, Saturdays 11- 4pm

SRAC is a nonprofit organization and is staffed 100% by volunteers. Please consider supporting our efforts in whatever way you can!

SRAC Educational Programs for June 2010

Archaeology and Bone Identification by Marty Borko.

Thursday, June 3rd, from 6:30 - 7:30pm
at SRAC, 345 Broad Street Waverly, NY

Whether or not you are an archaeologist involved in a professional excavation or simply reading a report from one, bones could be apart of your research and they actually can reveal alot to a trained eye. Questions such as, "Are they animal or human? "; "How do they articulate?" ;"How do we tell left from right bones or even male from female?"; "How many roles do the bones in our body play?"

Using hands on, educational skeletal learning tools, Marty Borko, will present "Understanding Bones."

Marty Borko is a retired Professor of Biology who has taught Anatomy and Physiology for nursing students for over 30 years. The skeleton is a major component of the A & P program and Marty will share his skeletal insights gained over his many years of teaching. Retired from Orange County Community College which has the oldest 2 year nursing program in the United States.

Admission is $5 per adult, $4 for SRAC members and students. Admission includes entrance to the SRAC exhibit hall.

“The Soapstone Culture and the Zimmerman Site"
By Fred Asmus, NYSAA Treasurer
Saturday, June 5th from 2-3pm
At SRAC, 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY

The Zimmerman Site 36 PI 14 was a multi-level site excavated in the 1960s by the Lenape Chapter #12 of the S.P.A.Emphasis will be on the two lowest levels with carbon dates of 1280 BC and 1650 BC. Presented ny Fred Asmus, NYSAA treasurer.

The site was one of the largest in the upper Delaware Valley of PA and reflects what is commonly referred to as the "Soapstone Culture."

Some of the artifacts will be on display, the rest are mainly in the State Museum in Harrisburg, PA.

Admission is $5 per adult, $4 for SRAC members and students. Admission includes entrance to the SRAC exhibit hall.

Crafting Clay Tiles and Pendants - Creative Fun For All Ages
With Irene Lawson
Saturday, June 19th from 11-1pm
At SRAC, 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY

Crafting Clay Tiles and Pendants - Creative fun for all ages

Come learn to work with clay and discover the wonderful world of handmade tiles and pendants. From handprints to complex geometric patterns or sculpted reliefs, create decorate tiles in your own style or following the teacher’s examples. Materials will be provided but you may bring your own stamps or found objects to make impressions in the clay, if you wish. Working with clay is a process in which all ages can participate.

There will be a two week period between the class/creation and pick up after firing process.

Class Fee: $23.00, Instructor: Irene Lawson. Email info@sracenter.org to enroll for this class today!

NEPA Paranormal – Gettysburg Reveal
Saturday, June 26th from 6:30 - 7:30pm
At SRAC, 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY

The NEPA Paranormal team will be at SRAC to discuss their most active site to date - Gettysburg. Known by many for it's historic value, Gettysburg is gaining new popularity by paranormal groups across the country.

The team will present their findings and also allow two lucky ticket holders at the event to accompany the NEPA team on an upcoming paranormal investigation.

Admission is $6 per adult, $5 for SRAC members and students. Admission includes entrance to the SRAC exhibit hall.

Tuesday, May 4th - Archaeology, Tourism, and Intrigue at the Levanna Site, Cayuga County, NY

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM:

Tuesday, May 4th from 6:30 - 7:30 pm, Histories Mysteries -
Archaeology, Tourism, and Intrigue at the Levanna Site, Cayuga County, NY
Jack Rossen, Associate Professor & Chair, Dept of Anthropology, Ithaca College,
at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center, 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY

download flier here

This talk discusses how perceptions and interpretations of the Levanna site have changed throughout the history of investigations at the site. The site was discovered in 1922 and excavated from 1932-1947 and 2007-2009. The site was also an elaborate tourist attraction from 1933-1940. Analysis of the collections recovered over three recent field seasons is underway. Preliminary statements may be made on interpretive changes of the site, including how the site is culturally assigned (Algonkian, Owasco, Cayuga), the type of domestic architecture (small circular versus proto-longhouse), whether the site was palisaded, and the nature of regional ceramic typologies and the famous stone animal effigies. There are also important implications for how archaeologists conducted their business in the 1930s and 1940s and how Native American-archaeologist relationships are changing in the 21st century. There are some features of this site that have been compared to those found at Spanish Hill in South Waverly, PA and is a MUST for those seeking more information about this site as well.

Jack Rossen is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Anthropology at Ithaca College. He received his doctorate from the University of Kentucky (1991). He has conducted archaeological research in Peru, Chile, and Argentina, and has also analyzed archaeobotanical materials from throughout South America, the Ohio Valley and the northeastern U.S. His work on collaborative archaeological and community projects with the Cayuga and Onondaga in what is now central New York began in 1999.

Doors open at 6pm. Admission is $5 for adults , $4 for SRAC members and students. Admission to the SRAC Exhibit Hall filled with thousands of local artifacts is included in the admission price. Call the Center at 607-565-7960 for more information.

May 2010 Events and Workshops at SRAC

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:

Tuesday, May 4th from 6:30 - 7:30 pm, Histories Mysteries -
Archaeology, Tourism, and Intrigue at the Levanna Site, Cayuga County, NY
Jack Rossen, Associate Professor & Chair, Dept of Anthropology, Ithaca College,
at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center, 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY

download flier here

This talk discusses how perceptions and interpretations of the Levanna site have changed throughout the history of investigations at the site. The site was discovered in 1922 and excavated from 1932-1947 and 2007-2009. The site was also an elaborate tourist attraction from 1933-1940. Analysis of the collections recovered over three recent field seasons is underway. Preliminary statements may be made on interpretive changes of the site, including how the site is culturally assigned (Algonkian, Owasco, Cayuga), the type of domestic architecture (small circular versus proto-longhouse), whether the site was palisaded, and the nature of regional ceramic typologies and the famous stone animal effigies. There are also important implications for how archaeologists conducted their business in the 1930s and 1940s and how Native American-archaeologist relationships are changing in the 21st century. There are some features of this site that have been compared to those found at Spanish Hill in South Waverly, PA and is a MUST for those seeking more information about this site as well.

Jack Rossen is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Anthropology at Ithaca College. He received his doctorate from the University of Kentucky (1991). He has conducted archaeological research in Peru, Chile, and Argentina, and has also analyzed archaeobotanical materials from throughout South America, the Ohio Valley and the northeastern U.S. His work on collaborative archaeological and community projects with the Cayuga and Onondaga in what is now central New York began in 1999.

Doors open at 6pm. Admission is $5 for adults , $4 for SRAC members and students. Admission to the SRAC Exhibit Hall Filled with thousands of local artifacts is included in the admission price. Call the Center at 607-565-7960 for more information.

____________________________________________________________________

Saturday May 15th,
Flourescent Rocks with Bob McGuire
2 -3pm, Fun With Flourescent Rocks for Kids,
4-5pm, Flourescent Rocks, An Unusual Creation of Mother Nature
at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center, 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY

download flier here

An informative look at some unusual creations of Mother Nature.

You will see some really unattractive rocks transform into a rainbow of lovely colors simply by turning off the lights and exposing them to Ultra Violet illumination. See also some of the uses of this phenomena in today’s world.

The 2- 3pm show is geared toward kids, while the 4-5pm showing will include slides of the now closed zinc mines in Franklin, New Jersey and one of the past digs there.

The doors will open at 1pm. Admission is $5 Adults, $4 for SRAC members and students, kids under ten, $3 for each presentation.

**Is your family having a budget crunch? Call us and we will work something out for your kids to be able to attend! Admission to the SRAC Exhibit Hall Filled with thousands of local artifacts is included in the admission price. Call the Center at 607-565-7960 for more information.

WORKSHOPS:

Fused Glass: Make Mother's Day Gift
Sat. May 1, 11:30am – 1:00pm

Where: SRAC - 345 Broad Street Waverly, NY (map)

Description: Glass products plus firing time included in your registration of $23. Payment made before class. Stop in or call 565-7960 to reserve a spot. Credit cards accepted. Instructor- Mary Ann Taylor

Fused Glass: 3D Flowers
Sat. May 22, 11:30am – 12:30pm

Where: SRAC - 345 Broad Street Waverly, NY (map)

Description: Glass products plus firing time ( 2 firings) and copper tubing stems included in your registration of $30. Payment made before class begins. Stop in or call 565-7960 to reserve a spot. Credit cards accepted. Instructor- Mary Ann Taylor

____________________________________________________________________

All events are listed online at www.SRACenter.org/Events. You may also call the Center with questions at 565-7960, or email us at info@SRACenter.org.

Fused Glass Classes at SRAC in May

Fused Glass: Mothers Day Projects!
Saturday, May 1st, from 11:30 am - 1pm at SRAC, 345 Broad St. Waverly, NY.

Instructor MaryAnn Taylor will supply glass and instructions for making mother’s day gifts with fused glass. Glass products plus firing time included in your registration of $23. Payment can be made the day of the class. Stop in or call 565-7960 to reserve a spot. Credit cards accepted.


Fused Glass: 3D Flowers
Saturday, May 22, from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at SRAC, 345 Broad St. Waverly, NY.

Instructor MaryAnn Taylor will supply glass and instructions for making 3D flowers with fused glass. Glass products plus firing time (2 firings) and copper tubing stems included in your registration of $30.

SRAC Presentations in May 2010

Tuesday, May 4th from 6:30 - 7:30 pm, Histories Mysteries -
Archaeology, Tourism, and Intrigue at the Levanna Site, Cayuga County, NY
Jack Rossen, Associate Professor & Chair, Dept of Anthropology, Ithaca College,
at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center, 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY

download flier here

This talk discusses how perceptions and interpretations of the Levanna site have changed throughout the history of investigations at the site. The site was discovered in 1922 and excavated from 1932-1947 and 2007-2009. The site was also an elaborate tourist attraction from 1933-1940. Analysis of the collections recovered over three recent field seasons is underway. Preliminary statements may be made on interpretive changes of the site, including how the site is culturally assigned (Algonkian, Owasco, Cayuga), the type of domestic architecture (small circular versus proto-longhouse), whether the site was palisaded, and the nature of regional ceramic typologies and the famous stone animal effigies. There are also important implications for how archaeologists conducted their business in the 1930s and 1940s and how Native American-archaeologist relationships are changing in the 21st century. There are some features of this site that have been compared to those found at Spanish Hill in South Waverly, PA and is a MUST for those seeking more information about this site as well.

Jack Rossen is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Anthropology at Ithaca College. He received his doctorate from the University of Kentucky (1991). He has conducted archaeological research in Peru, Chile, and Argentina, and has also analyzed archaeobotanical materials from throughout South America, the Ohio Valley and the northeastern U.S. His work on collaborative archaeological and community projects with the Cayuga and Onondaga in what is now central New York began in 1999.

Doors open at 6pm. Admission is $5 for adults , $4 for SRAC members and students. Admission to the SRAC Exhibit Hall Filled with thousands of local artifacts is included in the admission price. Call the Center at 607-565-7960 for more information.

____________________________________________________________________

Saturday May 15th,
Flourescent Rocks with Bob McGuire
2 -3pm, Fun With Flourescent Rocks for Kids,
4-5pm, Flourescent Rocks, An Unusual Creation of Mother Nature
at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center, 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY

download flier here

An informative look at some unusual creations of Mother Nature.

You will see some really unattractive rocks transform into a rainbow of lovely colors simply by turning off the lights and exposing them to Ultra Violet illumination. See also some of the uses of this phenomena in today’s world.

The 2- 3pm show is geared toward kids, while the 4-5pm showing will include slides of the now closed zinc mines in Franklin, New Jersey and one of the past digs there.

The doors will open at 1pm. Admission is $5 Adults, $4 for SRAC members and students, kids under ten, $3 for each presentation.

**Is your family having a budget crunch? Call us and we will work something out for your kids to be able to attend! Admission to the SRAC Exhibit Hall Filled with thousands of local artifacts is included in the admission price. Call the Center at 607-565-7960 for more information.

____________________________________________________________________

All events are listed online at www.SRACenter.org/Events. You may also call the Center with questions at 565-7960, or email us at info@SRACenter.org.

Photo Gallery - Woolly Mammoth Exhibit Unveiling

For those of you who missed the woolly mammoth exhibit - here are some great shots provided to us by SRAC member and good friend, John Margentanski:

(to play all automatically - - click the arrow under the big picture once...)

History of Greyhounds at SRAC April 15

“The History of Greyhounds!” will be presented on Thursday, April 15th, 6:30 – 7:30 pm at SRAC, 345 Broad St., Waverly, NY.

Eight to ten of the second-fastest mammals in the world will be at SRAC along with Sam and Debby Moore of Sayre, who have three greyhounds themselves, to tell the history of the breed and will use some important dates in our own local history during the presentation for local interest.

Hal and Janet Lambert, adoption representatives from Keystone Greyhounds, will also be available to work with any families that may want to consider adopting one of the greyhounds.

Admission is free and the SRAC exhibit hall will also be free admission during the event, and Lambert chocolate greyhounds will be given away throughout the night.

A MAMMOTH NIGHT FOR SRAC - VIDEOS

Saturday, April 3rd 2010 is one of those nights that will be remembered by all of us for a long time to come. From the opening ceremony to the playing of all of the photos that we had collected with Te Keir discussing each as they were shown on the big screen to the news reel from 1983 that really struck all of us of the importance of the excavation to Pennsylvania Archaeology, to the actual unveiling of the exhibit itself....

**If you are looking for the DVD that I gave out during the opening ceremony to the speakers and others. they are on sale at the SRAC gift shop for just $5.99 plus tax which is just about what it cost me to make them with a cover, etc. If you want to have me send you a copy - send $7.99 (to include shipping) to SRAC Woolly Mammoth Dig DVD, PO Box 12, Sayre, PA 18840 and don't forget to include your mailing address for me to send it to you. You can see the cover and contents below:

I am going to post different pieces that I have to share throughout this week -beginning with the beginning - the opening ceremony which is 5 separate clips of what occurred during the first hour of the event that will play one after another if you are patient or you can use the arrows at either side of the video window to page through them:




Stay tuned for more!

Unveiling of the Woolly Mammoth Exhibit This Saturday!

The finishing touches are being applied to the SRAC woolly mammoth exhibit that includes two murals, movie kiosk, 3D landscapes and a woolly mammoth ten foot tusk, jaw and teeth that were excavated at Spring Lake, near Wyalusing, PA in 1983. The exhibit is the result of months of work by several artists, carpenters, and volunteers and is set to be unveiled this Saturday, April 3rd during an event that will run from 5-9pm.

The exhibit is based upon an excavation that occurred in 1983, in Asylum Township, Bradford County, PA near Wyalusing, when a worker was using a drag line that scooped up and moved the mud in a large bucket to clear an area at Walter and Jane Newton's Spring Lake. One of those scoops when emptied, dropped out a 30 - pound jaw of a Jefferson Woolly mammoth. This discovery excited the local archaeological Chapters and soon Carnegie Museum was heading up an excavation that would later be dubbed the most important excavation in Pennsylvania history.

During the summer and early fall of 1983, volunteers, professionals and local archaeological chapters worked side by side and uncovered many parts of the skeleton - but only bits and pieces of a broken tusk. It wasn't until they were ready to close the excavation that the other tusk would be found - in perfect shape and ten foot in length.

This past fall, the Allen Pierce Foundation donated $5,000 to the Andaste Chapter of PA Archaeology to get perfect replicas made by Carnegie Museum from the original jaw and tusk of the Jefferson woolly mammoth excavated at Spring Lake in 1983 to be on display at SRAC for generations to come. The tusk and jaw will be part of a huge exhibit dedicated to the archaeological chapter and others who were a part of that dig as well as to educate our community about the woolly mammoths and what life was like in our region 12- 15 thousand years ago.

The unveiling ceremony will include a brief opening ceremony that will include Pennsylvania Representative Tina Pickett, President of Andaste Chapter of PA Archaeology Mark Madill, SRAC's Deb Twigg and Ted Keir, and a news reel from the actual excavation in 1983. The unveiling will follow immediately thereafter. The night will also include a photo collage of approximately 200 photos from the actual excavation that will play in the lecture hall throughout the night. The public is invited to attend at any time throughout the event.

SRAC will also be conducting a fund raising raffle on the evening of April 3rd as a part of the grand opening of the new Woolly Mammoth Exhibit. There will be many items to win, and tickets will be available for $1 apiece. Buy as many chances to win as you like! There’s lots to win!

Lambert Chocolatier has donated a $95 milk chocolate Easter Bunny made from the finest chocolate in the region! It weighs nearly 4 pounds and is around 18 inches tall. You can see much more of what Hal and Janet have to offer at http://lambertchocolatier.com/. They have long been friends of SRAC……who can forget the chocolate arrow points!


SRAC wants to thank our new friends at the Ever After Store for their donation of the HUGE Jellycat Truffle Woolly Mammoth! We discovered the Ever After Store while searching for woolly mammoth toys. They have tons of awesome, high quality, toys and gifts. Check them out at www.everafterstore.com. You can also become a fan on their FaceBook page (and you can see all of their great deals!) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tacoma-WA/EverAfterStorecom/280511870755. One lucky person will win our adorable 30” stuffed woolly mammoth………but now you know where you can get one if you don’t win…..;o)

In addition, the raffle will include a handmade baby quilt, an afghan, and various gift baskets including a wine basket, an Italian pasta basket, a welcome Spring gardening basket, a traditional Easter basket chock full of your favorite candy, and many more! Take a chance and support SRAC with your raffle ticket purchases!

Commemorative DVD's will be available at the event that will include the photo collection from the dig, newsreel from 1983, and a short video by Ted Keir about the excavation.

The event is free to attend and the agenda for the night is as follows: 4-5 pm - doors open to lecture hall; 5 - 6:15 - Unveiling of exhibit; 7:30 pm - REPLAY: News Reel from 1983; 8:30pm Raffle winners announced. Ongoing raffles/basket raffles, food and refreshments, & pictures from the 1983 dig playing in lecture hall throughout the night.

SRAC is located at 345 Broad Street in Waverly, NY. To learn more, visit www.SRACenter.org or email info@SRACenter.org.

LIVE ANIMAL SHOW - Saturday, March 13th

Saturday, March 13th from 2-3pm
LIVE ANIMAL SHOW - Animals on Our River System,
by Tanglewood Nature Center
at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center, 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY

Tanglewood Nature Center returns to SRAC with a live animal show - this time bringing live reptiles, birds and mammals that live along and from our river system and it's resources such as hawks, owls, turtles, and many more! These events are educational and entertaining for all ages!

The doors will open at 1pm, with the program running from 2 – 3pm. Admission is $5 Adults, $4 for SRAC members and students, kids under ten, $3. **Is your family having a budget crunch? Call us and we will work something out for your kids to be able to attend! The public is advised that the SRAC gift shop and exhibit hall will also be open during this time as well and to please consider arriving early to browse these areas before the program. For more information, call 570-565-7960 or email info@sracenter.org.

Mammoth Delivery Arrives at SRAC

A mammoth delivery arrived at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center (SRAC) in downtown Waverly, today. In fact it was a woolly mammoth delivery to be exact.

The shipment began in the early hours at the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh, PA where molds had been created from the Jefferson woolly mammoth remains that were excavated at Spring Lake in Asylum Township, Bradford County, PA in 1983. Throughout that summer, many professionals and amateurs worked side by side as they uncovered the remains of the great beast that lived approximately 14,270 years ago.

Actual photo from 1983 dig

After the excavation in 1983 was over, all of the original remains of the mammoth were delivered to Carnegie for research purposes, and this is where they remain today. Because this excavation was so important in Pennsylvania’s history, the Bradford County Andaste Chapter of PA Archaeology, with the help of a grant from the Allen Pierce Foundation, funded perfect replicas of the original tusk , jaw with teeth, and tooth to be placed in the SRAC exhibit hall for future generations to learn about this excavation and the woolly mammoths that lived in our region.

The delivery made its way to SRAC after nearly six hours in the back of one of the Carnegie Museum’s vehicles and was accompanied by Norman Wuerthele, who was the same technician for Carnegie that wrapped and packed the original mammoth remains for delivery to Pittsburgh in 1983.

Carnegie Museum’s Norman Wuerthele and SRAC’s Tom Vallilee and
Ted Keir pose with the new additions to the SRAC Exhibit Hall.

The items will soon be a part of a huge exhibit including two murals, kiosk with movie shorts, and realistic landscape from the time when the mammoths roamed our area. The exhibit will be officially unveiled during a ceremony and celebration at SRAC on Saturday, April 3rd from 5-9pm. The public is invited to attend throughout the evening.

SRAC’s Deb Twigg stated, “Over the past decade, Ted Keir has presented a slide show about the excavation that took place at Spring Lake to just about every club in the region, and he had always hoped that there could be an exhibit complete with the ten-foot tusk for public display. I am just grateful that after over a quarter of a century it finally happened. We all owe him a big thank you for his diligence in finally finding a way to make it happen.”

SRAC is located at 345 Broad Street , Waverly, NY. To learn more, visit www.SRAcenter.org.

Ghosts of Gettysburg!

Tuesday March 2nd, from 6:30 - 7:30 pm -
History's Mysteries
"Ghosts, spirits and other paranormal activity at Gettysburg"
by John Trice and Pat Karas
at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center, 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY

SRAC presents a night for all of the history buffs who enjoy the recent surge in Ghost Hunting. Those present will examine photographs of orbs, ectoplasm and paranormal smoke on the battlefield, Sachs Bridge and the Daniel Lady Farm. John and Pat will also discuss and demonstrate the art of dowsing rods along with cadaver dogs that have been employed to locate Civil War soldiers buried on private land outside the battlefield park.Join us for a night filled with educational information, fun and the paranormal!

John Trice is the former D.A for Chemung County, current Appellate Counsel for New York State Supreme Court and Elmira College Instructor of Criminal Law.

Pat Karas trains cadaver dogs which are used to discover remains in arson investigations. Her dogs were used in a Pennsylvania Research Project to locate Civil War Soldiers buried on private lands outside the battlefield park. She is the owner of the Heritage k-9 Search and Rescue located in Van Etten, NY.

The doors will open at 6pm, with the program running from 6:30 – 7:30pm. Admission is $5 Adults, $4 for SRAC members and students. The public is advised that the SRAC gift shop and exhibit hall will also be open during this time as well and to please consider arriving early to browse these areas before the program. For more information, call 570-565-7960 or email info@sracenter.org.

SRAC EVENT LISTING, March – May 2010

SRAC EVENT LISTING, March – May 2010

We Have Something for Everyone!

download listing here

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Tuesday March 2nd, from 6:30 - 7:30 pm -
History's Mysteries
"Ghosts, spirits and other paranormal activity at Gettysburg"
by John Trice and Pat Karas
at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center, 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY

SRAC presents a night for all of the history buffs who enjoy the recent surge in Ghost Hunting. Those present will examine photographs of orbs, ectoplasm and paranormal smoke on the battlefield, Sachs Bridge and the Daniel Lady Farm. John and Pat will also discuss and demonstrate the art of dowsing rods along with cadaver dogs that have been employed to locate Civil War soldiers buried on private land outside the battlefield park.Join us for a night filled with educational information, fun and the paranormal!

John Trice is the former D.A for Chemung County, current Appellate Counsel for New York State Supreme Court and Elmira College Instructor of Criminal Law.

Pat Karas trains cadaver dogs which are used to discover remains in arson investigations. Her dogs were used in a Pennsylvania Research Project to locate Civil War Soldiers buried on private lands outside the battlefield park. She is the owner of the Heritage k-9 Search and Rescue located in Van Etten, NY.

The doors will open at 6pm, with the program running from 6:30 – 7:30pm. Admission is $5 Adults, $4 for SRAC members and students. The public is advised that the SRAC gift shop and exhibit hall will also be open during this time as well and to please consider arriving early to browse these areas before the program. For more information, call 570-565-7960 or email info@sracenter.org.
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Saturday, March 13th from 2-3pm
LIVE ANIMAL SHOW - Animals on Our River System,
by Tanglewood Nature Center
at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center, 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY

Tanglewood Nature Center returns to SRAC with a live animal show - this time bringing live reptiles, birds and mammals that live along and from our river system and it's resources such as hawks, owls, turtles, and many more! These events are educational and entertaining for all ages!

The doors will open at 1pm, with the program running from 2 – 3pm. Admission is $5 Adults, $4 for SRAC members and students, kids under ten, $3. **Is your family having a budget crunch? Call us and we will work something out for your kids to be able to attend! The public is advised that the SRAC gift shop and exhibit hall will also be open during this time as well and to please consider arriving early to browse these areas before the program. For more information, call 570-565-7960 or email info@sracenter.org.
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Tuesday, April 6th from 6:30 - 7:30pm, History's Mysteries
Stories from the Natural World,
by Ed Nizalowski, Newark Valley Historical Society
at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center, 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY

The Southern Tier prior to the Revolutionary War was the realm of Native Americans who took the bounty of the land, soil and forest in ways that had been developed and sustained for centuries. Although native tribes had altered the environment to suit special needs, the white settlers who streamed in after the Revolution entered a cornucopia of animal life and plant life all sustained by a forest that offered some of the finest building material in the world.

Nizalowski will present how the past 200+ years the transformation that has taken place in the natural world of the Southern Tier has been remarkable to say the least. Those interested in wildlife can read the first reports of animals making their reappearance in Tioga County including the white tail deer, beaver, bear, coyote and bald eagle. Three possible sightings of the eastern mountain lion are sure to be intriguing. Forest history includes accounts of the chestnut blight, Dutch elm disease, wide spread tree plantings in the first quarter of the century and the development of state forests in the 1930's. Ed has been involved with the Newark Valley Historical Society for over 30 years and has developed a special interest in ethnic, immigrant and minority groups along with both agricultural and environmental history.

Doors open at 6pm. Admission is $5 for adults , $4 for SRAC members and students. Admission to the SRAC Exhibit Hall Filled with thousands of local artifacts is included in the admission price. Call the Center at 607-565-7960 for more information.
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Saturday, April 10th, & 17th from 1-3pm
Two Part Photography Class -
With Ed and Gail Cordes/ Nature's Vision Photography
at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center, 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY

First Class is 2 hours of Power Point led class, where attendees are asked to bring their cameras and enjoy hands on instruction in use of their own cameras. (Please bring your cameras and camera instruction booklet!) CAMERAS MUST BE ABLE TO ADJUST APERTURE AND SHUTTER SPEEDS. Attendees will then go home and make images during the week to be reviewed the following Saturday. The time during the workshop is very flexible. If the attendees have a lot of questions or desire more time this is OK. The instructor encourages questions and hands on learning.

Second Class is 2 hours, with a critique of images and instruction in uploading, basic image processing and image library management along with basic printing concepts. The time during the workshop is very flexible. If the attendees have a lot of questions or desire more time this is OK. The Instructor encourages questions and hands on learning.

Instructor: Ed and Gail Cordes/ Nature's Vision Photography: http://www.ecordesphotography.com

Fees are $22 per person for each class, payment due the day of the class. RSVP appreciated. To enroll, email info@SRACenter.org or call SRAC - 607-565-7960, (leave your contact info after business hours.)

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Tuesday, May 4th from 6:30 - 7:30 pm,
Histories Mysteries -
Archaeology, Tourism, and Intrigue at the Levanna Site,
Cayuga County, NY
Jack Rossen, Associate Professor & Chair, Department of Anthropology, Ithaca College, at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center, 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY

This talk discusses how perceptions and interpretations of the Levanna site have changed throughout the history of investigations at the site. The site was discovered in 1922 and excavated from 1932-1947 and 2007-2009. The site was also an elaborate tourist attraction from 1933-1940. Analysis of the collections recovered over three recent field seasons is underway. Preliminary statements may be made on interpretive changes of the site, including how the site is culturally assigned (Algonkian, Owasco, Cayuga), the type of domestic architecture (small circular versus proto-longhouse), whether the site was palisaded, and the nature of regional ceramic typologies and the famous stone animal effigies. There are also important implications for how archaeologists conducted their business in the 1930s and 1940s and how Native American-archaeologist relationships are changing in the 21st century. There are some features of this site that have been compared to those found at Spanish Hill in South Waverly, PA and is a MUST for those seeking more information about this site as well.

Jack Rossen is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Anthropology at Ithaca College. He received his doctorate from the University of Kentucky (1991). He has conducted archaeological research in Peru, Chile, and Argentina, and has also analyzed archaeobotanical materials from throughout South America, the Ohio Valley and the northeastern U.S. His work on collaborative archaeological and community projects with the Cayuga and Onondaga in what is now central New York began in 1999.

Admission is $5 per adult, $4 for SRAC members and students. Admission includes entrance to the SRAC exhibit hall.

Doors open at 6pm. Admission is $5 for adults , $4 for SRAC members and students. Admission to the SRAC Exhibit Hall Filled with thousands of local artifacts is included in the admission price. Call the Center at 607-565-7960 for more information.

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Saturday May 15th,
Flourescent Rocks with Bob McGuire
2 -3pm, Fun With Flourescent Rocks for Kids,
4-5pm, Flourescent Rocks, An Unusual Creation of Mother Nature
at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center, 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY

An informative look at some unusual creations of Mother Nature.

You will see some really unattractive rocks transform into a rainbow of lovely colors simply by turning off the lights and exposing them to Ultra Violet illumination. See also some of the uses of this phenomena in today’s world.

The 2- 3pm show is geared toward kids, while the 4-5pm showing will include slides of the now closed zinc mines in Franklin, New Jersey and one of the past digs there.

The doors will open at 1pm. Admission is $5 Adults, $4 for SRAC members and students, kids under ten, $3 for each presentation.

**Is your family having a budget crunch? Call us and we will work something out for your kids to be able to attend!

Admission to the SRAC Exhibit Hall Filled with thousands of local artifacts is included in the admission price. Call the Center at 607-565-7960 for more information.

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All events are listed online at www.SRACenter.org/Events. You may also call the Center with questions at 565-7960, or email us at info@SRACenter.org.

Spanish Hill presentation from 2/2/2010

1.) Double click the video window to open it in a larger window!

2.) Click another section of the presentation on the right to place it in the video window

What A Night It Was!

The Spanish Hill presentation was last night and it was a huge success! We had eighty-some in attendance and many stayed, chatted, & spent alot of time in the exhibit hall afterwards.

It never ceases to amaze me why people are so drawn to Spanish Hill and all of the questions that it makes them ask about it. (like me!) Last night I tried my best to share what I could and answer those questions, and from the initial feedback, I think the presentation (even though it was longer than usual) was well received and appreciated. In the end, I have to believe that there was not a soul who attended that didn't get an "AHA!" moment at some point given all of the new information that I shared with them last night.

I want to thank the people who attended and came out on a cold dark evening to support SRAC and to learn about Spanish Hill. I have no doubt that any of those who attended last night are now more up-to-date and more qualified to share their knowledge on the topic than many who still rely on old and incorrect information written over several decades ago.

Let's face it....it's OUR HISTORY. And if we do not continue to learn and educate each other - we are not doing our part as stewards of it.

THANK YOU !
Last night made me proud to do my part and to be a part of this great community that truly does care about their history and the preservation of it.