Contact, Conflict and Colonization: The Archaeology of Penn's Woods

The Archaeology Section of the State Museum of Pennsylvania invites all archaeology enthusiasts to attend the Annual Workshops in Archaeology Program on Saturday, November 3^rd from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm at The State Museum of Pennsylvania, Third and North Streets, Harrisburg. Designed for the non-professional, this year’s program features a review of the archaeology of the Contact Period through the Revolutionary War Period. 

image taken with permission from Pennsylvania's Forbes Trail Gateways and Getaways long the Legendary Route from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh , Laura S. Fisher Ed.

This time essentially covers the process of Native American and European interaction mainly through trade; the eventual displacement of Native American populations; the formation of European colonies; competition among the European powers for the control of resources; and finally the formation an independent nation.

A huge amount of research has been conducted over the past 30 years and several new sites have been discovered. There will be three presentations on Native American culture during the Contact Period, two presentations on Native American and European interaction, two on the French and Indian War and one on the Revolutionary War.

In addition, there will be a flint knapping demonstration, French & Indian War/Revolutionary War re-enactors, and an artifact identification session. The Bureau for Historic Preservation will provide information and assistance in recording archaeological sites which is essential for protecting and preserving our archaeological heritage. 

Steve Nissly (left) shares his flint knapping expertise at the 2011 Workshops

Noel Stratton (left) of the Bureau for Historic Preservation explaining the CRGIS program at the 2011 Workshops

Closing comments from Stephen G. Warfel will summarize the workshop sessions and reflect on this significant period in Pennsylvania history. The workshops will be followed by a reception in the Anthropology and Archaeology Gallery of The State Museum where the audience can interact with the presenters.

  2011 keynote speaker Dean Snow

                A pre-registration fee of $20.00 per person (required by October 31st), $15.00 for students; $15.00 for Heritage Society, SPA and PAC members covers the entire day. Registration at the door is $25.00. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

                Included in registration are nine presentations in the auditorium, a morning and afternoon coffee break and a closing reception. Lunch is on your own. For more information and a Workshops brochure, call 717-783-9926.

For more information, visit PAarchaeology.state.pa.us or the Hall of Anthropology and Archaeology at The State Museum of Pennsylvania .