Members of Pemaquid Falls Archaeological Field School, 2007

Overview

The scenic mid-coast community of Bristol is home to one of Maine's earliest European settlements. In the late 1620s, a year-round English plantation emerged on the Pemaquid peninsula (Bristol) and its offshore islands. Over the next six decades, Pemaquid gained prominence as one of northern New England's leading fishing, trading, and military centers.

Come join Dr. Neill De Paoli as he directs ongoing excavations of the late 18th century farmstead of prominent Pemaquid merchant Robert Given. Participants will explore the home and blacksmith shop of one of 18th century Pemaquid's leading families and continue the search for several late 17th century farmsteads that clustered about nearby Pemaquid Falls. This experience is a great hands-on opportunity for upper level high school and undergraduate and graduate students seeking course credit and experience in historical archaeology, teachers in need of recertification credits, or history buffs interested in exploring an area with a rich colonial history.

Iron ox shoes, probably early 1800s, Robert Given farm, Pemaquid Falls

Program

During the field school, participants will learn basic excavation and recording techniques, laboratory procedures, and the identification of and Anglo-American material culture. The program will be highlighted by field trips to the heart of the 17th and 18th century English fishing and trading settlement of Pemaquid and an archaeology conservation laboratory along with weekly films and discussions. Southern Maine Community College is offering the archaeological field school as a three-credit history course (HTY-200-01). Participants sign up for a single three week session that runs from July 28 to August 15. The program will run Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Silver cufflinks, mid to late 1700s, Robert Given farmstead

Tuition and Registration

Field school tuition is $295.50 for Maine residents and $538.50 for out-of state residents. Course registration closes on July 28, 2008. Payment can be made by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. To register log on to the Southern Maine Community College website (www.smccme.edu) or write or call Enrollment Services, Southern Maine Community College, 2 Fort Road, South Portland, ME 04106, 207-741-5800 or 1-877-282-2182 (toll-free number for in-state calls). Otherwise contact

Dr. Neill De Paoli

76 Northwest Street

Portsmouth, NH 03801

Phone: 603-766-0561

e-mail: ndppquid@yahoo.com

For those seeking information on area accommodations, contact Dr. De Paoli.

Director

Dr. Neill De Paoli has over thirty years of experience as a historical archaeologist, having directed archaeological projects in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Dr. De Paoli is the resident archaeologist at the Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site and adjunct professor at Southern Maine Community College and the New Hampshire Institute of Art.