Location: Endwell, Broome County, New York
Season Dates: May 27, 2014 – July 3, 2014
Application Deadline: May 9, 2014
Website: Binghamton 2014 Field School
Affiliation: Binghamton University
Project Directors: Nina M. Versaggi and Maria O’Donovan, Public Archaeology Facility
Project Description
The Historic Amos Patterson site is associated with one of the oldest standing structures in Broome County, NY. Around 1797, Patterson settled on the north bank of the Susquehanna River in the Town of Union. On his larger parcel of land, he built a log cabin, then a plank house while his main dwelling was under construction. In addition to his farm, he owned and operated one of the earliest saw mills in the region. His farmstead and saw mill flourished during the nineteenth century, and he became a prominent pioneer settler in the Susquehanna Valley.
Later owners transformed the house into a temperance hotel called Washingtonian Hall. After threats from flooding, the main house was moved back from the river. The current residents have restored the house and are working with Binghamton University to conduct archaeological research on the property to identify former features on this landscape. A small local museum is dedicated to preserving information on this National Register listed property.
Researchers have completed magnetometer and ground penetrating radar surveys of the property, and have identified soil anomalies and other areas of interest. Field School students will identify and excavate domestic buildings (former dwellings), other features (trash middens, outbuildings), and artifacts from both the farmstead and the Washingtonian Hall eras.
Students will learn a variety of documentary research, survey, excavation, and public interpretation methods. This course will teach students to conduct basic documentary research, dig exploratory shovel test pits, excavate larger units, perform basic lab procedures, and interact with community members interested in our research. Participants will acquire the necessary skills to be competent beginning field technicians for archaeological and cultural resource management projects.
To register, go to: Summer Session Registration
Academic Credit
Name of institution offering credit: Binghamton University (State University of New York)
Number of credits offered: 6 (undergraduate), 4-6 (graduate students)
Tuition: Summer Session Payment
Contact Information
Nina Versaggi
Public Archaeology Facility, Binghamton University
Binghamton, NY 13903-6000
Phone: 607-777-4786
Fax: 607-777-2288