Happy New Year!

THE ARCHAEOLOGIST Vol. 12, December, 2013 Excerpts.

This month's newsletter has been emailed to members in good standing, so if you haven't received your copy, please let us know!

THE ARCHAEOLOGIST

Vol. 12, December 2013

Chapter meetings are held on the third Friday of each month except July, August & November, at the Mulbury House Senior Center located at 62-70 West Main Street, Middletown, NY 10940. All are welcome.

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President’s Message

I am happy to say I am glad to be back for the December meeting after missing both September and October. I hope all of you look forward to and can attend the Holiday Party and grab-bag event. It is always a lot of fun. If you are attending and bringing food or drinks to the party, please let me know so I can make sure we have everything we need. 

Dave

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Holiday Party Grab-Bag

The December meeting will feature the Holiday potluck dinner and the Grab-Bag.

** Please let Dave and Priscilla know what you are bringing so we can 

make sure there will be a variety of food and drinks at the party.

Here are the rules for the grab-bag:

1. You can attend the meeting and not participate in the grab-bag.

2. Anyone who wishes to participate in the grab-bag needs to contribute a gift.

3. Although archaeological themes are welcome, other gift ideas are also acceptable such as baked items. In other words, simply use your imagination.

4. We are suggesting the value of the gift be up to $10.

5. All gifts need to be wrapped and identified as to gender specific if needed.

6. All participants draw a number.

7. Number 1 goes first followed by consecutive numbers.

8. Upon taking a gift it needs to be opened and shown to the group.

9. Following number 1 each of the other participants can either take a gift from the table or from one of the other participants with a lower number, however you cannot take the same gift back twice in the same turn.

10. If your gift is taken you can go back to the table and take another 

gift, or take a gift from another person.

11. After all the numbers are completed and gifts opened, the person with number one can exchange their gift with anyone they choose.

12. All participants are encouraged to take a gift from another person 

if they like that gift. This is what makes it more interesting. So don’t be bashful.

Dues

Once again dues are due for calendar year 2014! Please contact our treasurer, Jon Leonard. Or you can pay your dues at the monthly meeting. Checks should be made out to IOCCNYSAA and need to be in before April in order to receive the 2014 State Bulletin.

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Lab Sessions:

Laboratory work parties will begin soon to process this season’s field work. Stay tuned for announcements.

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Happy Holidays!

Ed Lenik's 32nd Annual New Year's Day Hike 2014

ED LENIK'S

32ND ANNUAL NEW YEAR'S DAY HIKE

2014

Bering Mine Parallel Shaft Entrance

WE WILL BE EXPLORING THE BERING MINE AND ITS RELATED FEATURES, INCLUDING MINE SHAFTS, SHAFT CRIBBING, OPEN MINE CUTS, EXPLORATORY PITS, TAILINGS/DUMPS, BORROW PITS, STERLING MINE AND RAILWAY SPUR, CELLAR HOLES.......

MEET AT 10:00 AM

at the

ROADSIDE TRAILHEAD located on the northwest side of EAGLE VALLEY ROAD just west of the VILLAGE OF SLOATSBURG, NY, a short distance north of its junction with STERLING MINE ROAD.

Bring your lunch and something to share.  Hike will require a short initial uphill climb along an overhead powerline access road, but will be mostly on level woods roads with off-road excursions to view the mine features.  We will toast the New Year at the first mine stop.

Questions?  Call Ed at 973-835-0770 between 9:00 AM -3 PM

Doc Bayne speaking in Sterling Forest this month

Lecture Series: Sterling Forest Gardens Saturday December 14 1pm

Join Doc Bayne and relive the Sterling Forest Gardens that brought Sterling Forest to life.  This presentation will be about 2 hours long and keep you amazed at what once attracted millions of people to Sterling Forest.

Lecture Series: Making Iron Sunday December 29 1pm

How was iron made in the American Colonies?  How did the industry grow?  Where was the iron made?  These are a few of the questions that will be answered in this lecture by our FSF President, Doc Bayne.

At:

US Senator Frank R. Lautenberg Visitor Center, 116 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, NY 10987

Registration is required for all programs.  For more information or to register, call 845-351-5907

Chapter Field Season Closes for 2013!

Thank you to everyone who contributed this year!

(Gary Keeton photo)

Reminder: No November meeting at the Mulbury House Senior Center!

*** Reminder: The Annual Dinner replaced the regular November meeting, so we will NOT be meeting at the Mulbury House Senior Center on Friday November 15th, 2013!

2013 Annual Dinner.

A few photos from our 2013 Annual Dinner have been posted on our Facebook page.

Add yours to the Annual Dinner album.

THE ARCHAEOLOGIST Vol. 10, October 2013 excerpts

THE ARCHAEOLOGIST

Vol. 10, October 2013

 Unabridged edition sent to members.

(If you are a member in good standing and didn't get your copy please let us know!)

Chapter meetings are held on the third Friday of each month except July, August & November, at the Mulbury House Senior Center located at 62-70 West Main Street, Middletown, NY 10940. All are welcome.

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Vice-President's Message:

I hope everyone is having a wonderful fall so far and it was great to see everyone at our first 2  meetings of the season last month. I apologize for the delay in the newsletter this month and blog entries, we had some technical difficulties getting it out this month. Jim Wisochlo gave the talk at our October meeting. Our local parks and historic sites have re-opened from the government shutdown so I hope you all are able to get out, enjoy the beautiful fall weather and support our local history! Excavations at our active dig will continue as long as the weather permits. Be sure to check for updates and any cancellations. Nominations for Gary Keeton and Barry Kass' trustee positions are now open and will be accepted until the November meeting (annual dinner). This month we had an expedition to a site dug in the 1960s and the Highland's Conference is coming up. Don't forget to RSVP to our annual dinner in November! It will be a wonderful time with a great speaker. Please be advised that we DO NOT HAVE A NOVEMBER MEETING, as the annual dinner replaces our regular meeting. We will have our Holiday Party with the always fun grab-bag in December. Dave continues his research with the Navajo until the end of October but will return in time for the annual dinner. I look forward to seeing everyone at the annual dinner!

Stephanie

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Elections for two trustees

Barry Kass and Gary Keeton's trustee positions terms end this year. Both are willing to continue serving the Chapter in this office.

Nominations are now open for these two Trustee positions, whose terms will run from January 2014 to December 2015.

Trustees serving for the 2013-2014 term are Doc Bayne and Chuck Tudor.

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Active Dig:

Work continued this summer and will continue throughout the fall while weather permits. We had some exciting finds this season so far and hope everyone will come out and get a little dirty this fall!

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For our September meeting we had the pleasure of having Dr. Kurt Carr from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission give a talk titled “Finding the Fort at Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, Dauphin County Pennsylvania: A summary of the 2013 excavations” This ongoing investigation of an 18^th Century French and Indian War fort sparked wonderful questions from the crowd and was interesting as well as entertaining. We look forward to hearing more in the future about the progress of this site!

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Tour to a former site, dug in the 1960s

On October 20, 2013, the IOCCNYSAA gave a tour of the famous 1960s dig to NYSAA members and Orange County Employees. Our guests also included employees of neighboring company. The turnout was fantastic with over 80 in attendance and we could not have asked for a more beautiful day and group of interested folks. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Orange County Government, the neighboring company, Gary Sipila for providing our attendees with a wonderful flint knapping and atlatl demonstration, Gary Keeton and Barry Kass 

for providing interesting and educational information during the tours, Sharon Assmus for organizing sign-in and information, and Eric Dratch and Doc Bayne for helping maneuver folks safely along the trail. If you missed the tour, do not fret, we will be giving it again in the future! Stay tuned for updates and more pictures of this great day!

Thank you Barry, Gary, Gary, Doc and all!

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27th Annual

Highlands Archaeological and Historical Conference

Presented By

Inc. Orange County Chapter, Nysaa

Archaeological Society of New Jersey

North Jersey Highlands Historical Society

Friends of Sterling Forest

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Lautenberg Visitors Center, Sterling Forest State Park, 115 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, NY

MORNING PROGRAM: 10:00 AM to NOON Join Doc Bayne on a 2 mile hike to the Upper and Lower California Mines and the old town of Lakeville. If time allows, Doc will show us the Benjamin Mine, “never seen before.” Hike will leave the Sterling forest visitors center at 10:00 AM sharp.

AFTERNOON PROGRAM: 1:00 TO 4:00pm at Sterling Forest State Park, Lautenberg Visitors Center, Lower Level. Jason Okin, NJHHS, presiding

1:00 PM-1:25 PM: “The Spicer Manufacturing Company and its Universal Joint: Creating an Automotive Industry Revolution in South Plainfield, New Jersey 1903-1929.”

Eugene Boesch, Ph. D, Registered Professional Archaeologist.

1:25 PM-1:50 PM “Archaeological Survey of West Rock Ridge: The Contribution of “Trap Rock Ridges” to Understanding Late Archaic Cultural Processes in South-Central Connecticut.”

Cosimo Sgarlata, Ph. D, Adjunct Professor, Western Connecticut University

1:50 PM-2:15 PM “The 2013 SUNY New Paltz Excavations on Huguenot Street, New Paltz, NY.”

Joseph Diamond, Ph. D, Archaeologist, Assistant Professor and Chair, Dept, of Anthropology, SUNY, New Paltz, NY.

2:15 PM-2:30 PM COFFEE BREAK

2:30 PM-2:55 PM “Cherry Ridge: A Vanished Village of the Highlands.”

Ron Dupont, Historian and writer.

2:55 pm-3:20 pm “SSI Station For The Study Of Insects In Harriman State Park A Place To Learn Natural History.”

Susan Scher, Professor Emerita, Ramapo College.

3:20 PM-3:45 PM “The Ramapo Saltbox Environmental Research Center: Where Preservation and Recovery Meet.”

Chuck Stead, Environmental Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension; Adjunct Professor, Ramapo College.

1:00 PM-4:00 PM BOOK ROOM

Program Chair: Edward J. Lenik, R.P.A., Inc. O.C.C., NYSAA, ASNJ & NJHHS

Meeting Facilities courtesy of Sterling Forest State Park, Jeff Hutchinson, Park Manager.

There is no charge to attend this conference!

Note: Light refreshments available.

Bring your own lunch.

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2013 Annual Dinner Menu:

Tony Boffa's Restaurant

75 Railroad Avenue Middletown, NY 10940.

November 9th at 5pm 

$30 per person includes gratuity.

Dinner Reservation Deadline is November 2nd

Appetizers served from 5-6 pm

Antipasto

Mozzarella Sticks

Chicken Wings

Zucchini Sticks

Soup

Salad

Choice of one of the following :

Filet of Sole with Pasta

Chicken Parmigiana with Pasta

Lasagna with Meatball

Eggplant Parmigiana with Pasta

Baked Ravioli and Meatball

Chicken Marsala served with Pasta

Chicken Francaise served with Pasta

Chocolate Cake or Coconut Cake

Coffee, Tea, Soda and Ice Tea included

Make your reservations and entree choice with Sharon Assmus: Deadline November 2nd

Click here to download flyer.

Just received news that former Chester President Lewis A. Dumont passed away.

Joyce Sternitzke reports that he died December 18, 2012. 

Lew was President of Chapter: 1979-1980.

He was married to Liz Dumont, who died Oct. 23, 2012. She was also a President of Chapter: 1973-1976.

I searched the internet, unsuccessfully, for more info, so please send any additional material to ioccnysaa@gmail.com.

Chapter dig suspended until October 13th!

Hi folks, unfortunately we have to cancel digging for the next 2 weeks due to various obligations both weekends. We will be back out at the site 10/13. Please join us then, it is great digging weather! As always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions. See you out there soon!

Stephanie

Reminder: The entire property is closed and off limits except during officially scheduled Chapter digs!

2013 Highlands Archaeological and Historical Conference Program

27TH ANNUAL

HIGHLANDS ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL CONFERENCE

PRESENTED BY:

INC. ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER, NYSAA

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF NEW JERSEY

NORTH JERSEY HIGHLANDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

FRIENDS OF STERLING FOREST 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2013

LAUTENBERG VISITORS CENTER, STERLING FOREST STATE PARK

115 OLD FORGE ROAD, TUXEDO, NY

MORNING PROGRAM: 10:00 AM to NOON   Join Doc Baynes on a 2 mile hike to the Upper and Lower California Mines and the old town of Lakeville.  If time allows, Doc will show us the Benjamin Mine, “never seen before.”  Hike will leave the  Sterling forest visitors center at 10:00 AM sharp.

AFTERNOON PROGRAM: 1:00 TO 4:00pm at Sterling Forest State Park, Lautenberg Visitors Center, Lower Level.  Jason Okin, NJHHS, presiding

1:00 PM-1:25 PM: “The Spicer Manufacturing Company and its Universal Joint: Creating an Automotive Industry Revolution in South Plainfield, New Jersey 1903-1929.”

Eugene Boesch, Ph. D, Registered Professional Archaeologist. 

1:25 PM-1:50 PM “Archaeological Survey of West Rock Ridge: The Contribution of “Trap Rock Ridges” to Understanding Late Archaic Cultural Processes in South-Central Connecticut.” 

Cosimo Sgarlata, Ph. D, Adjunct Professor, Western Connecticut University

1:50 PM-2:15 PM “The 2013 SUNY New Paltz Excavations on Huguenot Street, New Paltz, NY.” 

Joseph Diamond, Ph. D, Archaeologist, Assistant Professor and Chair, Dept, of Anthropology, SUNY, New Paltz, NY.

2:15 PM-2:30 PM COFFEE BREAK

2:30 PM-2:55 PM “Cherry Ridge: A Vanished Village of the Highlands.”

Ron Dupont, Historian and writer.

2:55 pm-3:20 pm “SSI Station For The Study Of Insects In Harriman State Park A Place To Learn Natural History.”

Susan Scher, Professor Emerita, Ramapo College.

3:20 PM-3:45 PM “The Ramapo Saltbox Environmental Research Center: Where Preservation and Recovery Meet.”

Chuck Stead, Environmental Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension; Adjunct Professor, Ramapo College.

1:00 PM-4:00 PM BOOK ROOM

Program Chair: Edward J. Lenik, R.P.A., Inc. O.C.C., NYSAA, ASNJ & NJHHS

Meeting Facilities courtesy of Sterling Forest State Park, Jeff Hutchinson, Park Manager.

There is no charge to attend this conference!

Note: Light refreshments available.

Bring your own lunch. 

THE ARCHAEOLOGIST Vol. 9, September 2013 excerpts

THE ARCHAEOLOGIST

Vol. 9, September 2013

Chapter meetings are held on the third Friday of each month except July, August & November, at the Mulbury House Senior Center located at 62-70 West Main Street, Middletown, NY 10940. All are welcome.

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President’s Message:

I hope everyone had a wonderful summer. During the summer we had a beautiful day for the annual picnic and work at the Florist site will continue into the fall. This season we have very interesting speakers lined up for September, October and the annual dinner in November. December will be the Holiday Party with the grab-bag event. Elections for two trustees will also take place this fall.

 I will miss both the September and October meetings since I will be continuing my research in the southwest. Stephanie will chair the meetings. I will be home to attend the annual meeting and I hope to see you there.

Dave

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Sad News: Carol Van Buren has died.

Minisink Town Historian and Town Clerk Carol Van Buren has died. She had heart trouble and she left this life as she lived it, surrounded by family. She was a major force in New York Cultural Resource Management (CRM) which forced developers to consider Precontact and Historic Sites. The Minisink CRM Law was known locally as "Carol's Law".

The first major site excavated under "Carol's Law" was named the Minisink Historian Site because Carol was to modest to let it be called the Carol Van Buren Site. The discovery and excavation of the site, like Carol's lifetime of historic research, led to a better understanding of Minisink history.

The photo shows her at the Minisink Museum accepting the artifacts from her site.

Bill Sandy, RPA

Minisink, Orange County, NY

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Pictures from 2013 Chapter Picnic have been posted on our Facebook page in the "2013-07-14 Chapter Annual Picnic" album.

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Elections for two trustees

Barry K. and Gary K.’s trustee positions are up for election this year. Both have told Dave they are willing to run again.

Nominations will be opened at the September meeting for these two Trustees positions, whose terms will run from January 2014 to December 2015.

Ballots will be sent to all voting members. Ballots must be returned to the Chapter Corresponding Secretary in time for the October meeting, at which they will be opened and tallied and the results announced.

Trustees serving for the 2013-2014 term are Doc B. and Chuck T.

Our Constitution and By-Laws are online at: http://tinyurl.com/mkgtlrh

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Florist site:

Work continued this summer and will continue throughout the fall while weather permits. We had some exciting finds this season so far and hope everyone will come out and get a little dirty this fall!

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Gary K., Gary S. and Stephanie B. gave a program “Local Archaeology Talk,” part of Woodbury Library’s "Groundbreaking Reads" series of programs given at the Earl Reservoir in Highland Mills on July 31st hosted by Rose-Emma C., Adult Services Librarian for the Woodbury Library. Photos are posted on our Facebook page at: http://tinyurl.com/l76ak7h

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Upcoming:

Sharon has done a great job getting the first three speakers for this season!

"Finding the Fort at Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, Dauphin County Pennsylvania: A summary of the 2013 excavations," by Dr. Kurt Carr at Friday, September, 20, 2013 meeting.

Jim Wosochlo for October meeting. Details to follow.

“It Fell from the Sky: Abbott Zoned Incised and its connections to the ritual of feasting

during the Middle Woodland Period”  by Gregory D. Lattanzi at 2013 Annual Dinner/meeting.

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27th Annual

Highlands Archaeological and Historical Conference

Presented By

Inc. Orange County Chapter, Nysaa

Archaeological Society of New Jersey

North Jersey Highlands Historical Society

Friends of Sterling Forest

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Lautenberg Visitors Center, Sterling Forest State Park

115 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, NY

Program Chair: Edward J. Lenik, R.P.A., Inc. O.C.C., NYSAA, ASNJ & NJHHS
Meeting Facilities courtesy of Sterling Forest State Park, Jeff Hutchinson, Park Manager.

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2013 Annual Dinner:

Sharon is handling the dinner and has basically everything arranged at this point in time.

Tony Boffa's Restaurant

75 Railroad Avenue Middletown, NY 10940.

It is going to be November 9th at 5pm and it is $35 per person includes gratuity.
Menu

Appetizers served from 5-6 pm

   Antipasto

   Mozzarella Sticks

   Chicken Wings

   Zucchini Sticks

Soup

Salad

Choice of one of the following :

   Filet of Sole with Pasta

   Chicken Parmigiana with Pasta

   Lasagna with Meatball

   Eggplant Parmigiana with Pasta

   Baked Ravioli and Meatball

   Chicken Marsala served with Pasta

   Chicken Francaise served with Pasta

Chocolate Cake or Coconut Cake

Coffee, Tea, Soda and Ice Tea included

Make your reservations with Sharon: Deadline November 2nd.

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Other events:

Don’t miss this, it is a once in a lifetime experience. Doc Bayne, a local historian will present a program on Iona Island. Come learn the history of the Mysterious Island in the Hudson River below Bear Mt.

Doc Bayne

Date:  Saturday Sept 21, 2013

Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Location: Stony Point Community Center (Rho Bldg)

5 Club House Lane

Stony Point, NY 10980

Refreshments Available

Then on Sunday September 22, 2013 Doc Bayne will have a walking Tour of Iona Island.

Meet at Iona Island, walk will start at 10:00 AM.

Parking is at the end of the road, on RIGHT, before Railroad tracks.

The program and walk is open to the public, any questions

Call 845-825-3693.

Sponsored By: The Historical Society of the Palisades Interstate Park Region

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Conference on Medieval Archaeology

BY MEDIEVALISTS.NET

October 5, 2013

State University of Cortland, Cortland, New York

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Conference on Iroquois Research

2013 Preliminary Program

October 4, 5 & 6, 2013 

Hope Lake Lodge 

Cortland, New York

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Research New York 2013 

Perspectives on Empire State History

November 14 & 15, 2013
University at Albany, SUNY

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Digging Florist Site this Sunday August 25th!

We will definitely be out at the Florist site this Sunday 8/25. Hope to see some folks out there! 

Steph

Sad News: Carol Van Buren has died.

Carol Van Buren 

Minisink Town Historian  and Town Clerk Carol Van Buren has died.  She had heart trouble and she left this life as she lived it, surrounded by family.  She was a major force in New York Cultural Resource Management (CRM) which forced developers to consider Precontact and Historic Sites.  The Minisink CRM Law was known locally as "Carol's Law".  

 

The first major site excavated under "Carol's Law" was named the Minisink Historian Site because Carol was to modest to let it be called the Carol Van Buren Site. The discovery and excavation of the site, like Carol's lifetime of historic research, led to a better understanding of Minisink history. 

 

The photo shows her at the Minisink Museum accepting the artifacts from her site.

 

Bill Sandy, RPA

Minisink, Orange County, NY

No Florist Site this weekend!

I regret that we have to push back digging another week as obligations are keeping Gary and I away again this weekend 8/18. I am anxious to get back to the site, see everyone out there next weekend!

Steph

Greater Hudson Heritage Network Webinars

Upcoming Greater Hudson Heritage Network webinars available to Chapter members:

WEBINAR SERIES TWO:

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING 

AND CONTROL

Museums, libraries, and archives have long been without adequate tools and procedures for assessing and managing collection storage and display environments. Grant funds will be used to purchase environmental monitors for FREE lending to five organizations to sign up and attend all four webinars in the sereis. The Image Permanence Institute (IPI) has developed and tested the PEM2 Monitor, which is an innovative tool for environmental monitoring and data analysis. The workshop also includes training with the PEM2 Environmental Monitors which will be lent out to participants who request the equipment. *In order to be eligible to receive one of the PEM2 Environmental Monitors, a participant MUST attend all 4 of the webinars in this series.

 

Presenter: Rachael Arenstein, AM Art Conservation 

All webinars in this series are from 1PM - 3PM

 

Webinar 2A- September 24, 2013: The Effect of Environment on Collection Materials

Webinar 2B- October 21, 2013: Developing an Environmental Monitoring Program

Webinar 2C- November 13, 2013: Using the PEM2 and its Software for Monitoring the Enviroment 

Webinar 2D- December 10, 2013: Sustainable Practices for Managing the Environment 

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

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Click here for the full GHHN eNewsletter 2013 Summer Edition.

Other Articles:

• Behind-the-Scenes Networking Events
• Managing A Mold Invasion: Guidelines for Disaster Response
• 365 Tales from Unexpected Places
• Going Beyond the House:
• Comparing Inventories of Revolutionary Era New York and New Jersey
• A New Generation of Museum Lighting:From Fiber Optics to LED Lighting Technology
• The Hudson River Valley Ramble is September 7-8, 14-15,21-22, 28-29
• The Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands Challenges you to Croquet! 
• 2013 Greenway Conservancy Small Grant Program
• GHHN Consultant Registry
• Museum Institute at Great Camp Sagamore

Too wet to dig the site 8/11!

We will not be digging the Florist site again this Sunday 8/11. While the weather may be better by then, Middletown was pummeled with 5.5 inches of rain Friday and I would like to give the site a chance to dry out. I hope to see everyone out in the field soon! 

Also a few pictures of the talk that Gary and I all gave for the Woodbury Library July 31st have been posted on our Facebook page. It was a wonderful turnout with an attendance of almost 80 people!

Thanks, 

Steph