Sanford Museum, association sponsor public archaeological field school

Posted: Monday, May 31, 2004

The Sanford Museum and Sanford Museum Association are sponsoring a public archaeological field school from June 7 through June 18. The field school will conduct excavations at the Crocker site near Washta, Iowa. Recorded in the early 1960s, this habitation site has yielded artifacts from two prehistoric cultures, both Late Woodland {AD 300-1200) and Great Oasis (AD 1000). Great Oasis culture is found across a broad region in the Prairie-Plains and is of particular interest to this year's field school. The site is of importance because Great Oasis has diverse agricultural systems in which maize agriculture becomes increasingly important. It is also a time period where long distance exchange with distant communities is possibly established. Participants will not only be excavating at the Crocker site, but will also be introduced to basic method and theory used in archaeology and introduced to the local prehistory. The public is welcome to participate by contacting the Sanford Museum.

There will be a $15 per day charge and a three day minimum for participating. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the prehistory of this area as well as the skills of excavating. Call the Sanford Museum at (712) 225-3922 for more information.