INTERNATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGY DAY IS OCTOBER 17
2018 aerial view of site that is believed to be one of the two brick houses built at Eyreville by William Kendall in the mid- to late 17th century. Archaeologist Mike Clem will talk about the excavations at Eyreville on October 17. (Image courtesy of DHR).
This October the Eastern Shore Chapter of the Archeology Society of Virginia is joining hundreds of archaeological organizations around the world to celebrate International Archaeology Day which celebrates archaeology and its contributions to society. As explained in Popular Archaeology magazine, “By studying artifacts, structures, and cultural remains, you gain valuable insights into the behaviors, beliefs, and interactions of past societies. This discipline goes beyond mere excavation; it’s about interpreting data to understand how civilizations evolved, adapted, and influenced one another over time…Archaeology equips learners with the tools to analyze their world, encouraging them to become informed, empathetic global citizens.” And yes! archaeology is spelled two ways.
The Eastern Shore of Virginia has had over 1,000 reported archaeological investigations according to Virginia’s Department of Historic Resources (DHR) database spanning decades. Professionals from Virginia’s DHR, federal contractors, universities, and contracted professionals have only tapped the surface of the buried history of the Shore. They are often in a race against time with archaeological sites being destroyed by erosion, development, looters, and people just not knowing they are destroying a historic site.
The Archeology Society of Virginia has an Eastern Shore Chapter that meets regularly, hosts programs, and its members volunteer with professional archaeologists. Chapter members also educate the community about archaeology by tabling at local events. Archaeologic sites are often damaged by careless excavations, treasure hunters and metal detectorists, making public education an important role of the Chapter.
The Northampton Historic Preservation Society has artifacts from local excavations on display at their museum in Eastville inside the county administration building. One display case has artifacts from John Custis II’s Arlington on loan from Colonial Williamsburg. Shore History also has some items on display in Ker Place in Onancock.
Mike Clem, an archaeologist with DHR, will speak about the discoveries at Eyreville during the nine years excavations at the historic site in Eastville. His talk will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 17. Visit eyreville.com for location information.
If you are interested being trained as an archaeology volunteer or have an ongoing interest in the profession, email the ASV ESVA Chapter at asvesva2015@yahoo.com for meeting and activity information.
