On July 26th, several of the ACC Summer rec youth took a step back in time; they visited an archaeological site located at Canticle Farms in Allegany NY. The site is home to multiple longhouses which date from 5000 years ago to just as recent as 800 years ago. The discovery of these sites is invaluable as they allow us to take a view into everyday life in these time periods. The dating on the sites also tell us that our ancestors have inhabited this area for thousands of years.
On this day, the ACC summer rec youth and volunteer archaeologists were able to uncover small shards of pottery and see firsthand where the post molds for the longhouse were located roughly 800 years ago.
The youth were treated to a brief class and demonstration by archaeologist Steven Howard. Pottery found at this location was compared with pottery from Colorado both being from the same time period.
The youth were also able to use one of the hunting tools utilized by indigenous peoples, the atlatl. The atlatl is a spear throwing weapon that has been utilized for over ten thousand years.
Steven Howard is the executive director for Allegheny Valley Project, a nonprofit organization that allows for the archaeology work to continue at this site. Allegheny Valley Project will be hosting their Summer 2023 camp for six weeks, with hopes of having more volunteers and visitors from the Seneca Nation. For more about the Allegheny Valley Project, go to http://www.alleghenyvalleyproject.com/
