February 15th meeting Program by Bill Sandy

Incorporated Orange County Chapter of the New York State Archaeological Association

Following the February 15th meeting

Archaeologist William Sandy

presents:

CURRENT & FUTURE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN THE ORANGE COUNTY BLACK DIRT AREA

 

In recent years, archaeologists have made remarkable discoveries at Black Dirt area sites in the towns of Minisink, Wawayanda and Warwick. This area along the WallkillRiver in Orange County, New York is famous for the abundant remains of extinct Ice Age Fauna and a variety of important Native American sites.

 

The year 2008 marks the 50^th Anniversary of the Incorporated Orange County Chapter of the New York State Archaeological Association (IOCC).  Archeologists working in the Black Dirt area, and everyone concerned with New York history are indebted to the IOCC for the ground-breaking work done by the chapter.  In 1962, with the guidance of State Archeologist Dr. Robert Funk, the IOCC began their work at Dutchess Quarry Caves, near Goshen; that work gained nationwide attention for its discoveries of very Early Man.  In 1982, the chapter started innovative work on the Hansen Rockshelter in Minisink.  A preliminary report on this site has just been completed, 25 years later, and will be presented for the first time.

Presenter William Sandy is a contract archaeologist who has excavated sites throughout the region.  An expert on the recovery and seeds and small artifacts, he made a remarkable discovery at a Minisink Site, fossil crinoids fashioned into beads.  At 1650 years old, they may be some of the oldest money in New York.  This presentation will also discuss how local Cultural Resource Management regulations are bringing modern archaeology to Orange County.  It will also discuss ideas for the future of Black Dirt Archaeology, including continued Chapter work on the conservation and interpretation of important sites like Dutchess Quarry Caves and Hansen Rockshelter. 

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The Program is free and open to the public.

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The monthly the Incorporated Orange County Chapter of the New York State Archaeological Association meeting Friday evenings at 7:30 pm in the community room of the Goshen Methodist Church, 115 Main St, Goshen, NY 10924.  Please enter by the side door on Court Lane. The community room is one flight up and to your right.

Goshen United Methodist Church

(845) 291-3943

115 Main St

Goshen, NY 10924

NO MEETING: July & August