A Chance to Touch History: June 22
The wind off Lake Ontario ruffles the grass, and the centuries-old stone buildings of Old Fort Niagara soak up the heat of the sun. Today’s peaceful scene was probably beyond the imaginations of the Americans standing here two centuries ago.
Back then, the tension between the still-young United States and the British Empire kept the American soldiers stationed here on guard against the enemy just across the Niagara River.
Today, however, the pleasant site includes a dig undertaken by Buffalo State’s annual archaeological field school. The field school, offered as a six-credit course every summer, requires students to put in an eight-hour day, five days a week, for six weeks. The site of the dig alternates between the Martin II site on Grand Island, where Native Americans made tools more than 3,000 years ago, and Old Fort Niagara, where this year’s field school is taking place.
The French were the first Europeans to build an outpost here, in 1679, so the site is old by American standards. The fort has been occupied by the military from one of three nations—France, Britain, and the United States—since 1726. Today, the United States Coast Guard still has a presence here.
With the bicentennial of the War of 1812 approaching, this year’s field school at Old Fort is especially relevant. “We’re excavating the foundation of a barracks that dates back to the War of 1812,” said Susan Maguire, assistant professor of anthropology and project director. Maguire is a historical archaeologist whose research focuses on military sites, borders and frontiers, and issues of identity, particularly national identity.
“Visitors are always welcome,” said Maguire. “Part of our work is to interpret the excavation for visitors.”
Students also learn the skills necessary to take part in an archaeological dig: surveying, mapmaking, excavating, and documenting every step of the process. Only the first class is scheduled to be held indoors. “Archaeology demands a love of the outdoors,” said Maguire.
On Wednesday, June 22, Buffalo State students, faculty, and staff—and their families—can visit Old Fort Niagara, located in Youngstown, New York, at no charge between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. (with valid ID). Maguire said, “Please stop by. Our students would love to show you their finds.”
Back then, the tension between the still-young United States and the British Empire kept the American soldiers stationed here on guard against the enemy just across the Niagara River.
Today, however, the pleasant site includes a dig undertaken by Buffalo State’s annual archaeological field school. The field school, offered as a six-credit course every summer, requires students to put in an eight-hour day, five days a week, for six weeks. The site of the dig alternates between the Martin II site on Grand Island, where Native Americans made tools more than 3,000 years ago, and Old Fort Niagara, where this year’s field school is taking place.
The French were the first Europeans to build an outpost here, in 1679, so the site is old by American standards. The fort has been occupied by the military from one of three nations—France, Britain, and the United States—since 1726. Today, the United States Coast Guard still has a presence here.
With the bicentennial of the War of 1812 approaching, this year’s field school at Old Fort is especially relevant. “We’re excavating the foundation of a barracks that dates back to the War of 1812,” said Susan Maguire, assistant professor of anthropology and project director. Maguire is a historical archaeologist whose research focuses on military sites, borders and frontiers, and issues of identity, particularly national identity.
“Visitors are always welcome,” said Maguire. “Part of our work is to interpret the excavation for visitors.”
Students also learn the skills necessary to take part in an archaeological dig: surveying, mapmaking, excavating, and documenting every step of the process. Only the first class is scheduled to be held indoors. “Archaeology demands a love of the outdoors,” said Maguire.
On Wednesday, June 22, Buffalo State students, faculty, and staff—and their families—can visit Old Fort Niagara, located in Youngstown, New York, at no charge between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. (with valid ID). Maguire said, “Please stop by. Our students would love to show you their finds.”
Media Contact:
Mary A. Durlak, Senior Writer | 7168783517 | durlakma@buffalostate.edu