Volunteer Digs, Public Archaeology
Danielle Cathcart
Cohansey River Bluff Rescue Dig Volunteer ...
Quarterly Meetings, Executive Board, Elections
Danielle Cathcart
Announcement from the ASNJ President/Seeking ...
Gloucester County Chapter, Statewide Chapters
Danielle Cathcart
Gloucester County Chapter: November Meeting | ...
Public Archaeology
Danielle Cathcart
Camden Public Archaeology Day | September ...
Quarterly Meetings
Danielle Cathcart
October 2024 Quarterly Meeting Agenda

Public Archaeology

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Cohansey River Bluff Rescue Dig Volunteer Opportunity

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The Alan E. Carman Museum of Prehistory is working in partnership with the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape and the Archaeological Society of New Jersey to gather information from a threatened Ancestral Lenape archaeological site. Sign-ups are now open to join us on our public dig days!

Participants will work with professional archaeologists and the descendant community in a collaborative event to preserve heritage before its lost. Volunteers will rotate through different workstations and participate in various stages of an archaeological excavation! All sessions will begin with an orientation discussing the history of the project, the significance of the site, and the importance of safeguarding heritage. The site is within 15 minutes of the Alan E. Carman Museum of Prehistory.

Sessions are from 9am-12pm and 1pm-3pm on November 9 and 10. Please sign up using this link to secure your spot: https://www.signupgenius.com/.../10C094FACA72EA0FFCE9...

Any questions about the project can be directed to the museum curator at richardpadamczyk@gmail.com.

Camden Public Archaeology Day | September 27, 2024

FIELDWORK OPPORTUNITY THIS FRIDAY!!

Attention Camden County History enthusiasts!

On behalf of Rutgers University—Camden, E2PM is offering an invitation to those with an interest in archaeology and the City of Camden’s History to join us on Friday, September 27, 2024 for a Public Archaeology day at the Cooper Street Gateway. Originally settled in the 1840s, this cluster of urban lots offers a unique opportunity to examine Camden’s early history with houses on Cooper Street owned by wealthy landlords and houses on Lawrence Street occupied by tenants of lesser means. The day will include guided tours of the site as well as opportunities for participants to get their hands dirty screening for artifacts (work gloves required).

 Tours will be held on the hour between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

 Access can be gained to the site from the fence between 421 and 425 Cooper Street.

 Paid parking is available across Cooper Street on the southwest corner of Cooper and 5th Streets.

 To secure free parking at Rutgers University—Camden:

 Please visit dotshelp.rutgers.edu

  • Select Browse Request Forms

  • Complete the Special Event or Visitor parking request form.

 Requesters will receive the reserved parking lot location for their event within 5 business days of submitting the request. Questions related to parking and permits can be sent to dotshelp@rutgers.edu.

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The Importance of Community Archaeology

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The society would like to promote a video about the importance of community archaeology by the New Jersey Historical Commission that features NJ Archaeologists Drs. Chris Matthews and Marc Lorenc that was moderated by Noelle Lorraine Williams, the Director of the African American History Program at the NJ Historical Commission.

See below for their information about the video hosted on the New Jersey Historical Commission YouTube channel:

“In this conversation between Dr. Christopher Matthews (Montclair University) and Dr. Marc Lorenc (New Jersey Historical Commission), moderated by Noelle Lorraine Williams (New Jersey Historical Commission), we explore how and why organizations should consider doing a community archaeology project, dive into the nuances of what differentiates a community archaeology project from a typical archaeology project, address the benefits and challenges of starting such projects, and provide planning tips and considerations as you move forward with developing a community archaeology project. This webinar is part of our larger RevolutionNJ Public History Workshop series which aims to help organizations around the state create engaging public programming ahead of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. Revolution NJ is a partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), a division of the New Jersey Department of State, and the nonprofit organization Crossroads of the American Revolution Association (Crossroads) to plan the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in New Jersey. For more information and links to our other professional development offerings please visit: https://nj.gov/state/historical/revol... #archaeology #communityarchaeology #communityengagement #publichistory #history #RevolutionNJ #250th @New Jersey Historical Commission”


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St. James Episcopal Church Edison Public Archaeology (Saturday and Sunday, November 12-13, 2022)

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St. James Episcopal Church in Edison, NJ

UPDATE

Photos from the public archaeology weekend

The ASNJ is holding a two-day volunteer dig on the weekend of November 12-13 next to the St. James Episcopal Church in Edison Township, Middlesex County. The Church is located at 2136 Woodbridge Avenue and parking is available behind the church on Germantown Avenue, next to a public park. The society is conducting a research study in two areas of town land to look for the remains of a mid-19th-century school house and a 17th-century town house. We have been graciously allowed to do archaeology on the property by Edison Township. Funding has been provided by the Edison Greenways Group and the Middlesex County Office of Arts and History, both of which have been engaged in a multi-year study of the property surrounding the church, which was created as a town green in the late 17th century, to look for evidence of municipal buildings, such as a town house, an ammunition magazine, a jail, and a school house. The ASNJ has been involved in prior studies of the property that yielded evidence of early 19th-century and pre-Contact period Native American land use.

The society welcomes current members who are interested in volunteering. Up to six (6) volunteers can participate for each time slot. Two time slots are offered each day: the first from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and the second from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Afternoon site tours will be provided on November 13 from 1:00 to 3:30 pm to discuss the history of the town green and the Piscatawaytown Burial Ground. Volunteers can help dig 1.5-foot square test pits to expose buried foundation remains, screen soils to recover artifacts, and document deposits.

A volunteer sign up link is provided for those interested in helping and having fun.

ASNJ Dig Volunteer Sign Up (November 12-13), Saint James Episcopal Church, Edison, NJ

View the advertisement PDF here

Please direct questions to asofnj@gmail.com.

Piscatawaytown School House
Building Episodes

Piscatawaytown School 1937 MEHS 2022

1695: School or Town House Erected as a Log Building.

1800: 1st School House was Abandoned. New (2nd) School House Erected a Greater Distance from the Public Road, 30 yards from the Southern Extremity of the Present Parish House. 

6/19/1835: Tornado Destroyed the 2nd School House.

1837: 3rd School House was Erected. The School House was a Two-Story Building with Classes for Boys on the First Floor and Classes for Girls on the Second Floor.

1852: 3rd School House was Enlarged. Female Teacher Hired and a Female Department Started.

1871: Repairs Made.

1875: Extensive Repairs Made.

12/15/1892: 3rd School House was Destroyed by a Fire Set by 14-Year Old William French.

1893: 4th School House Contracted to be Built as a 25-foot by 35-foot Building.

1914: Building to be Used as a Town Hall and Abandon its Use as a School.

1923: Building also used as a Police Department.

Circa 1937: Back Shed Addition Constructed.

1940s: Building No Longer Used as a Police Department.

1969: 4th School House Damaged by Fire.

1971: Repairs Made.

1980s: Building Used as a Town Meeting Place and as the Rabbi Jacob Joseph School. 

1986: Building Used by the Edison Township Historical Society.

12/1986: Building Heavily Damaged by Fire and Razed. 

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Pomona Hall Public Archaeology Day (Saturday and Sunday, April 9-10, 2022)

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UPDATE

On April 9-10 2022, the ASNJ, in partnership with the Camden County Historical Society, conducted an archaeological open house in the garden of Pomona Hall at 1900 Park Boulevard in Camden next to Euclid Avenue. There, we were looking for the remains of a 19th-century cider house building. This video documents the archaeological open house and the results of the dig.

Video created by Alex Gonzales of AlegraphicsVideo

Photos from Initial Fieldwork on 3/19/22

Photos from Public Archaeology Weekend on 4/9 and 4/10 2022

ASNJ board members conducted the initial field work leading up to the public weekend on April 9-10 at Pomona Hall. The Courier Post wrote about the efforts in an article that you can view online here!

Pomona Hall

Pomona Hall

On April 9-10, the ASNJ, in partnership with the Camden County Historical Society, will be conducting an archaeological open house in the garden of Pomona Hall at 1900 Park Boulevard in Camden next to Euclid Avenue. There, we will be looking for the remains of a 19th-century cider house building. The open house will last between 12:00 noon and 4:00pm each day and will consist of site tours. 

Volunteer opportunities are available to current ASNJ members who would like to get their hands dirty, help dig and look for artifacts at one of the state’s earliest colonial residences. In the event of rain, we will reschedule for April 16-17. Volunteer member opportunities are limited and subject to a first come, first-serve basis. Volunteer times will be from 8:00am-4:00pm both days. If you are interested in volunteering, please click here: ASNJ Dig Volunteer Sign Up Link

Please direct questions to asofnj@gmail.com.

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Cornelius Low House ASNJ Volunteer Dig (Saturday and Sunday, September 25-26, 2021)

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The Cornelius Low House

The Cornelius Low House

The ASNJ is conducting a volunteer dig and site tour on Saturday and Sunday, September 25-26, 2021 at the 1741 Cornelius Low House at 1225 River Road in Piscataway, Middlesex County (see attached public form). The house overlooks the former 18th- and 19th-century port community of Raritan Landing. Our archaeological study is sponsored by the Middlesex County Office of Arts and History and aims to locate rear yard buildings associated with the Low family. We intend to excavate two (2) 4-foot square units. The property has a manicured lawn.

Participation in this volunteer dig is open to ASNJ members only from 8:30am to 4:00pm each day. Volunteers can sign up for desired time slots. Each time slot accommodates up to four volunteers. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours will be given to non-members from 12:00-4:00pm each day.

Those interested in volunteering can sign up via this link: Cornelius Low House Dig

Volunteer and visitor parking will be available on Lot 48 at the adjacent Rutgers U. Busch Campus opposite the Visitors Welcome Center on Stuphen Road (see attached parking map). A sidewalk next to the athletic fields connects the parking lot to the Cornelius Low House property. Those wishing to participate should dress appropriately and bring water, sun screen, a pair of gloves, and a snack. Out of respect for one another, participants working next to each other will need to wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth. Entrance into any County-owned building also requires wearing a face covering.

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Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum Archaeology (December 12, 2020)

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This past Saturday the ASNJ conducted a pro bono archaeological dig for the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM). It was a pleasure to partner with SSAAM and help to spread awareness of the important African American community in the New Jersey Sourland Mountains. Thank you to all who participated!

Stay tuned for more volunteer excavations like this in the coming year! Check back to the website to keep updated on Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum our events and programs, and be sure to follow us on social media!

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Hendrickson Volunteer Dig (Middletown, NJ) Acknowlegements

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Hendrickson_House.JPG

This weekend the ASNJ and Monmouth University teamed up to conduct a salvage archaeology project at the Hendrickson Farm in Middletown, Monmouth County, NJ. The project was directed by Monmouth County Park System and ASNJ member Kristen Norbut. Numerous ASNJ members and Monmouth University students assisted with the dig. Richard Veit took dendrochronology samples and Adam Heinrich gathered measurements for a future 3D render of the building. We had a successful day on Saturday, having excavated three units (2 3-foot square units and 1 five-foot square unit). Several features were identified, included a probable early 19th-century smokehouse foundation. We are really excited to see Kristen's forthcoming interpretations compiled from gathered data, historical research, and artifact analysis. 

Thanks to all. It was so great digging with you on such a beautiful weekend day. 

Sincerely,

Michael Gall
ASNJ President

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William Green House: Archaeological Volunteer Dig and Site Tour Rescheduled

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William_Green House_1.jpg

Due to rain, the volunteer archaeological dig at the William Green house on the TCNJ campus set for tomorrow (Friday, April 26), has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 30, from 1:00pm-4:00pm.

Please contact Dr. George Leader if you are interested in attending at georgemleader@gmail.com.

Read the original posting here for more details.

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Hendrickson Volunteer Dig (Middletown, NJ) - May 11-12, 2019

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Hendrickson_House.JPG

The ASNJ is participating in a two-day volunteer salvage archaeology dig on May 11-12, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and needs your help. This dig is only available to current members of the society and we are seeking up to 7 individuals to help in each of the time slots being offered. Time slots will be from 9:00-1:00 (May 11), 1:00-5:00 (May 11), 9:00-1:00 (May 12), 1:00-5:00 (May 12). Tools will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own trowels if you have them. If there is a rain day, the dig will be canceled for that day. 

The dig site is at 1275 Greenoak Boulevard, Middletown, Monmouth County, NJ, at the Hendrickson House, a mid-18th-century dwelling that may have an older 17th-century core. We expect to find lots of fantastic early artifacts that will help us better understand colonial settlement in Middletown, NJ. The salvage archaeology project will include the hand excavation of up to three (3) 1 meter square units to investigate for early artifacts and features. 

Please bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and a snack/lunch. Parking will be available along the curb.  Please reach out to me at mjgall79@yahoo.com if you have any questions or sign up if you are interested in participating.

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William Green House: Archaeological Volunteer Dig and Site Tour - April 26th, 2019

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UPDATE

Due to rain, the volunteer archaeological dig at the William Green house on the TCNJ campus set for tomorrow (Friday, April 26), has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 30, from 1:00pm-4:00pm.

Please contact Dr. George Leader if you are interested in attending at georgemleader@gmail.com.

William_Green House_1.jpg

Archaeologists will be excavating at the William Green House on The College of New Jersey campus this spring.  On April 26th, The College of New Jersey Archaeological Field School Director Dr. George Leader welcomes 5-10 volunteers from the Archaeological Society of New Jersey to learn about the history of the William Green House and participate in some archaeological excavations. This will be a first come-first serve event for Society members. To sign up as a volunteer and for more specific information on the event (time and location), please contact Dr. George Leader at georgemleader@gmail.com.