NCC8: Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology: February 2013

Is this Otstonwakin, the long-lost
Woodlands Indian village?

Diligent research and methodical investigation have solved a long-standing local mystery.

Mary Ann Levine, associate professor of anthropology at Franklin and Marshall College, is convinced she's discovered Otstonwakin, the long-lost Woodlands Indian village once inhabited by "Madame" Catherine Montour along the Loyalsock Creek.

Levine will discuss her research and conclusions at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at the Lycoming County Historical Society.

Her visit and presentation, sponsored by Northcentral Chapter 8, Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology, will usher in the local archaeology chapter's spring season. NCC8 President Tank Baird hopes the event not only will stir interest in contact-period history, because Madame Montour was a significant political figure during the French and Indian War, but will bring volunteers out for the upcoming 2013 archaeology project.

Northcentral Chapter 8, Society for PA Archaeology is a partner with "Just Below Your Feet," a documentary project whose main goal is to investigate the current status of Cultural Resource Management, which includes archaeology, preservation and preservation and conservation, in Pennsylvania.

Steph Bowen and Sara Griggs

It’s been two decades since the Pennsylvania legislature passed Act 70, a 1995 amendment to the State History Code. Historic preservationists and archaeologists argue the law weakens the state’s ability to protect its cultural heritage. Numerous prehistoric and historic sites have been threatened and lost to development in the law’s wake.

What is happening to these resources, and why? Are they being lost at all? Or is Act 70 a sound and valid law?

Two Lycoming College students want to know and have planned a documentary to explore the question. Their project, “Just Below Your Feet," will investigate the status of cultural resource management in Pennsylvania, including archaeology, preservation, and conservation. Their list of interviews and research subjects is impressive.

Please Donate to NCC8

NCC8 relies upon donations. Without your generosity, we could not pay for the Insurance needed to host digs. We also need donations to purchase supplies, such as trowels, shovels, tarps, and artifact preservation bags.
Please donate today and help preserve and protect Lycoming County's cultural heritage.

CLICK THIS LINK TO MAKE A DONATION OR PAY MEMBERSHIP FEES

Use the DONATE payment buttons below to submit your payment online. Please enter the appropriate fee for the membership level you're requesting. The fees are:

Individual $20 -- Click this link -- https://www.paypal.me/ncc8/20
Lifetime $200 -- Click this link -- https://www.paypal.me/ncc8/200
Name Your Own Donation -- Click this link -- https://www.paypal.me/ncc8

NCC8 Events & Dig Dates

NCC8 will open its new archaeology season with a new project at the Robert Porter Allen Natural Area. The location is 1722 Sylvan Dell Road South Williamsport 17702, at a large brick farmhouse painted mint green. Look for exciting projects and activities to happen this year as the new park is developed.

MONTHLY MEETINGS are scheduled at the Lycoming County Historical Society / Taber Museum (generally October-April).

Meetings are held at 6 p.m. the first Monday of the month. In May, NCC8 will return to the new project site for research from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30, Thursdays. Check the calendar for the correct date. More details will be posted later.

Click this address for a Google Map and directions: 858 West Fourth Street, Williamsport, PA 17701.

'Lost' Indian Village Discovery Topic of Archaeology Talk

What's Just Below Your Feet?