While archaeology can involve both above-ground and buried resources, when people think of "archaeology" the first thing
that nearly always comes to mind is the latter; and with it, actual excavation work ... or, if you will, a "dig." And much
of the OSA work which FOSA assists the OSA on involves these activities.
There are, in fact, many steps involved in a successful dig, any of which can occupy one or more days and all of which
may extend over several weeks depending on the site's circumstances. These are summarized below. The accompanying pictures
were taken at a number of such digs, over several years, where FOSA members participated. These should provide a good idea
of what goes on at the different stages and in different kinds of sites.
Click on any photo-icon to see its larger image, and to "walk" through the gallery.
Note1: The "Field Walks" section isn't really part of formal field
work activities; instead, it represents things which anyone may find him or herself doing at any time ... basically,
walking around and looking at the ground trying to see what might be there. The photos in this section were taken as a
result of walking about a section of farmland which had been plowed, though not recently; while a formal dig was going on
in another section. This was done, of course, with the approval of the owner of the land. The artifacts shown were
considered archaeologically significant by the dig supervisor, who accompanied the author, as they provide a good
indication of what might exist beneath the plowed layer. Their abundance strongly suggested that this field was part of a
permanent camping site for Native Americans.
The "Field Walks" section's photos will be kept separate from the photos associated with "real" field work activities
below it.
Note2: The "Adult Field School" photos were taken during a class which Nick
Bellantoni gives annually. Hence these are images of non-archaeologists who are doing serious excavation work under
Nick's supervision.
As with the "Field Walks" section, this section's photos will also be kept separate from the photos associated with
the descriptions of site excavation activities.
Note3: The "Student Field School" photos were taken during a 1-day session which
Nick Bellantoni, assisted by members of FOSA and the Glastonbury school system, gives for Glastonbury Middle School
students. The intent of these sessions is are to acquaint the students with archaeological techniques and to
make them aware of the historic and pre-historic heritage which exists in their town.
Again, this section's photos will be kept separate from the photos associated with the descriptions of site
excavation activities
