October Archaeology
Programs!

 

Enjoy these activities presented by:
Friends of Pine Hawk, Acton’s Own Archaeological Organization

 

                                                                      Thursdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2-4 p.m.

Open House at John Milner Associates Archaeological Laboratory

Meet archaeologists involved with investigating Massachusetts sites, and learn how they identify artifacts. Bring odd items for identification. Groups (8+) should call in advance. Free. 978 486-0688. Located at 410 Great Rd., Littleton.  

 

Pine Hawk Then and Now                                                    Wednesday, October 7, 7:30 p.m.

The Pine Hawk archaeology site along the banks of the Assabet River was a significant dig that furthers the knowledge of how Native Americans used the resources around them. Hear how the site was discovered, how it was excavated, what was found, and how the artifacts came back to Acton. Acton Memorial Library; free.

 

Uncovering the Past                                                                   Thursday, October 8, 3 p.m.

Uncover various artifacts and food remains including historic pottery, bottles, animal bones and seeds, during a mock midden dig led by archaeologist Marty Dudek. Middens, the remains of old trash heaps, are important archeological sites. Try your hand at mending pottery, identifying vessel forms and measuring their size. Identify animal bones and recover seeds through flotation or water sifting. Find out about basic excavation and recovery methods and discover how archeologists learn about diet. Science Discovery Museum; free with admission. Sponsored by Red Hat, Inc.

 

Preschool Archaeology Dig                                                        Monday, October 12, 10 a.m.

Come explore our mock archaeology dig site. What will you discover? Use your “artifacts” to make an artistic collage to commemorate your adventure. Children's Discovery Museum; free with admission. Sponsored by Red Hat, Inc.

 

What do Ancient Rome and Colonial Acton Have in Common?

                                                                                             Wednesday, October 14, 7:30 p.m.

Join local archaeologist Kimberley Connors-Hughes in a look at the powerful forces that shaped the landscape of the past. Energy, colonization and transportation were the keys to success in many cultures. What technologies did Rome pass down that survived into colonial times? The archaeological remains in the Nashoba Brook conservation area and other Acton sites serve as the basis for this illustrated discussion.
Acton Memorial Library; free.

 

Side 1 of 2; Over, Please!

October Archaeology
Programs!

 

Enjoy these activities presented by:
Friends of Pine Hawk, Acton’s Own Archaeological Organization

 

Native American History of Our Region                        Thursday, October 22, 7:30 p.m.

Native American peoples are known for their deep and special attachments to the land. The Acton region and the area northwest of Boston have special significance for many Native Americans. The Tribal Historic Preservation Officers of several important Native Ameri-can groups in our region will gather to discuss their insights and traditions about this area. They are Doug Harris of the Narragansett, Rae Gould of the Nipmuc, Bettina Washington of the Gay Head (Aquinnah) Wampanoag, and Chucky Green of the Mashpee Wampa-noag. Acton Memorial Library; free.

Wheeler Farm Walk                                                                  Saturday, October 24, 10 a.m.

The walk will begin at the historic Wheeler Farm site where restoration, new trails, and landscaping are underway. A discussion there will include the early history of the dry cattle farm, its two mills, and its early connection to Concord. We will walk a short distance downstream to the restored Chamber and blacksmith shop site. Bring a flashlight if you wish to go inside. Children and dogs are welcome, but the trail is not yet accessible to strollers or wheelchairs. Free; meet at the end of Wheeler Lane. Rain date: October 25.

 

1491 Book Discussion Group                                                Thursday, November 5, 7:30 p.m.
Author Charles Mann’s book 1491 highlights much new (and old) evidence that the Native American populations in the Americas were larger in number, had arrived earlier, were more sophisticated culturally, and controlled and shaped the natural landscape to a far greater extent than had been previously thought. Copies of the book will be available at the library’s circulation desk. Acton Memorial Library; free.

 

For more information about Pine Hawk, visit: www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/pinehawk, www.ab.mec.edu./pinehawk and the Pine Hawk exhibit at Acton Town Hall.

 

Acton Memorial Library is located at 486 Main St. (Rte. 27) next to Town Hall.  The parking lot and entrance are accessed from Woodbury Lane.  978 264-9641

 

The Children’s and Science Discovery Museums are located at 177 Main St. (Rte. 27), Acton.  978-264-4200