International Archaeology Day, October 5, 2019

‘Hands on Archaeology’

On Saturday, October 5th, the Archaeological Institute of America – Milwaukee Society will join the Milwaukee Community Archaeology Project to celebrate International Archaeology Day from 1:00 – 4:00pm indoors at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, 1111 E. Brown Deer Rd., Bayside, WI. This year’s theme is ‘Hands on Archaeology.’ Local archaeologists will provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about archaeological lab methods and try them out. Presentations include a variety of archaeological methods ranging from 3D scanning to cataloging artifacts from local historical sites. The Archaeological Institute of America is North Americas oldest and largest organization dedicated to archaeology. It promotes archaeological inquiry and public understanding of the material record of the human past to foster an appreciation of diverse cultures and our shared humanity. The AIA – Milwaukee Society was chartered 50 years ago and holds regular free lectures on UWM’s campus.

Milwaukee Community Archaeology Project

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center will host a three-day archaeological excavation directed by Dr. David Pacifico, Assistant Professor of Art History, president of the AIA-Milwaukee Society, and Director of the Emile H. Mathis Art Gallery and UWM Art Collection at UW-Milwaukee. Excavations will run Friday October 4 through Sunday October 6 from 10am to 4pm. This community-based participatory research explores everyday life, residential activities, and production practices among early European immigrants to the Milwaukee area. We will follow up on last year’s work by excavating two units in the Cappon/de Swarte Farmstead, which was in use in the mid- to late-19th century. The Cappons and de Swartes emigrated to the area in the mid-19th century during a period of famine, economic downturn, and religious-political persecution in Holland. Volunteers of all ages are welcomed to observe, ask questions, and lend a hand. Register free to participate at SchlitzAudubon.org.

This event is co-sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America, Milwaukee Society and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Departments of Anthropology, Art History and FLL Classics Program, and the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center.