[OR_Archaeology] ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD SCHOOL INCLUDES PUBLIC PROGRAMS

[Susan White]

ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD SCHOOL INCLUDES PUBLIC PROGRAMS

Portland State University, Washington State University Vancouver, the
National Park Service, Northwest Cultural Resources Institute, and the
Fort Vancouver National Trust are hosting a field school this summer
in
historical archaeology at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and
Lava
Beds National Monument. This summer's school includes daily and weekly
events for the public.

The program will introduce the methods and theories of fieldwork in
historical archaeology. Students will participate in all aspects of
field and laboratory work: laying out units, excavation by shovel and
trowel, mapping, drawing, photography, and cleaning, identifying, and
analyzing artifacts. The season will include a speakers series
entitled,
"Exploring Diversity, Conflict, and Science in Archaeology."

A new program will also bring urban youth and families to the fort,
providing opportunities to experience life in the 19th century, learn
about the science of archaeology and reconnect to the diverse
histories
of the Pacific Northwest through a series of day and overnight camps.
On
a rotating basis, students will discuss the field school activities
with
visitors, interpreting the significance of the site and the
educational
purposes of the project. The field school will run from June 15-July
24
at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Starting June 22, the public
is welcome to visit from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.Tuesday- Saturday. 

This year’s field school will explore Fort Vancouver’s
multicultural Village (also known as “Kanaka Village”). In the
latter portion of the course, the school will move to Lava Beds
National
Monument to assist in the National Park Service survey of Modoc Indian
War fortifications at Captain Jack’s Stronghold in northern
California.

A series of lectures open to the public will address topics including
Chinese Sojourners, Hawaiian miners, Chinook Fishers, Hunters and
Gatherers, and the role of science in revealing past peoples and their
history. All of the talks will be held at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of
Pearson Air Museum, located at 1115 E 5th St., Vancouver. 
The speakers will include PSU anthropology professor Kenneth Ames on
June 24, Southern Oregon University staff archaeologist Chelsea Rose
on
July 1, Idaho State University anthropology professor Mark Warner on
July 8, and archaeobotanist Irvin Rowner, the CEO of Binary Analytical
Consultants, on July 22.

For more information, contact Douglas C. Wilson (360) 921-5241 or
doug_wilson at nps.gov or Elaine Dorset (503) 753-8429 or
elaine_dorset at nps.gov