Dig Diaries 2007

Kathleen Eirman
Archaeology Field School Journal

Day 1 – May 8, 2007
We toured the Muncy Historical Society Museum today. I have always liked small town history. The museum went over the canal history of Muncy. After that, we went to the dig. We saw a well that reminded me of the one in Quebec City. We didn’t dig; we just toured.

Day 2 – May 9, 2007
On the second day, we sorted artifacts then washed them. It was fun when we were able to piece fragments together. More research will be needed to date for a time period.

Day 3 – May 10, 2007
The first half of the day, I sorted pieces of glass and tried to put bottles together. The second half, we started the dig. I repeatedly ran into tree roots, which became a pain. I was able to come across a few artifacts.

Day 4 – May 14, 2007
Today, Sara and I sorted boxes for elementary school kids for Thursday. Then we started to dig.

Day 5 – May 15, 2007
I was only in class for 10 minutes to get labs for class. I looked at cars after returning to school. I managed to finish that lab. Then, I waked to the cemetery. I only got 12 names before feeling odd about being there.

Day 6 – May 16, 2007
It was raining pretty hard, so it was impossible for us to do field work or even lab work. We ended up watching a “documentary.”

Day 7 – May 17, 2007
Keith, Sara and I went to Hughesville (Ashkar) Elementary school. We explained archaeology to first, second, third, and sixth graders. We showed them how to wash, catalog and find artifacts.

Day 8 – May 22, 2007
Gil, Keith and I went to the dig site. I managed to get a lot of work done today. I am almost caught up with the guys. I found a part of the “path” that both Keith and Gil found the other day. I am almost done. I really wish we could expand the dig site.

Day 9 – May 23, 2007
I’ve almost finished my section. I can soon expand into the next area. I found a large stone that cold be part of the foundation of the house.

Day 10 – May 24, 2007
I expanded my part of the dig today. I fully uncovered the stone. It’s not too big, but there is another stone underneath.

Day 12 – May 29, 2007
I continued to dig. I finally made a dent in my quadrant! I uncovered more of the stone. I still have a lot of work to do.

Day 13 – May 30, 2007
I didn’t do much today. I organized everyone’s boxes. I couldn’t dig because my bursitis started acting up again. I also helped clean up the site for the public dig.

Dig Personnel
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Dig Diaries
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The Archaeologist's Toolbox
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Archaeology for Kids
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Media Coverage
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Muncy Historical Society
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Robin Van Auken, archaeologist for the project
Meet Robin Van Auken and find out more about the field school she teaches for Lycoming College