October is Rhode Island Archaeology Month

Published on Monday, September 18, 2023

(Providence, R.I.) The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission (RIHPHC) will present Rhode Island Archaeology Month throughout October. This program showcases Rhode Island's rich archaeological heritage through a series of free public educational events led by professional archaeologists.

The calendar of 17 events features hands-on activities at excavation sites, as well as open houses, walking tours, talks, and exhibits. Detailed descriptions are posted at www.preservation.ri.gov/archtober. All events are free and open to the public. Registration is required for the October 17 event at Brown University.

Tuesday, October 3 | 6 - 7pm

Archaeology of Glocester – presentation by RIHPHC Archaeologist Charlotte Taylor

Harmony Library, 195 Putnam Pike, Glocester

Saturday, October 7 | 1 – 3pm

Re-excavating the Old State House Parade – hands-on sorting and cataloging artifacts hosted by RIHPHC Archaeologist Charlotte Taylor

Parade Ground behind Old State House, 150 Benefit Street, Providence

Thursday, October 12 | 7pm

History and Archaeology of the URI Campus Landscape – presentation by Dr. Kris Bovy, Dr. Cathy DeCesare, and Dr. Rod Mather

South Kingstown High School, 215 Columbia St, Wakefield

Saturday, October 14 (three events between 11am and 4pm)

• 11am – 12pm Archaeology at the Wilkinson Mill – presentation by Dr. Patrick Malone
• 1 -4pm Archaeology Month Open House – presentations, videos, hands-on activities
• 1:30pm Jenks Settlement Walking Tour – guided walk to explore the founding of Pawtucket

Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark, 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket

Saturday, October 14 | 11am - 3pm

Archaeology of College Hill Community Archaeology Day – observation and hands-on archaeology with Brown University professors and students

Outside List Art Center, Brown University, Providence (64 College St)

Saturday, October 14 | 11am - 3pm

Uncover Archaeology: Community Archaeology Day – open house with exhibits and activities

Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology, R.I. Hall, Brown University (60 George St), Providence

Sunday, October 15 | 1 - 4pm

Archaeology Month Open House – presentations, videos, and hands-on activities

Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark, 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket

Tuesday, October 17 | noon – 1pm

Behind the Scenes: Engaging the Americas at the Haffenreffer Museum of Archaeology Mellon Grant Project – presentation on HMA’s North American collections led by Dr. Jessica Nelson

In person at Rockefeller Library, Brown University (10 Prospect St), Providence and virtual

Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/4d9uvfb7

Tuesday, October 17 | 5 – 7pm

Preservation After Dark – archaeology laboratory open house hosted by Dr. Heather Rockwell

Antone Academic Center, Room 105, Salve Regina University, Newport

Saturday, October 21 | 12 – 4pm

Excavations at Old Potterville School –archaeological investigations and hands-on activities hosted by archaeologist Kimberly Smith

316 Plainfield Pike, Scituate

Saturday, October 21 | 1:30pm

Jenks Settlement Walking Tour - guided walk to explore the founding of Pawtucket

Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark, 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket

Saturday, October 28 | 2 – 3pm

The HMS Gaspee Archaeology Study – exhibit opening with Dr. Kathy Abbass and partners from the Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project

Warwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane, Warwick

Throughout October

Archaeological Examples of Narragansett Indian & Native American Life – presentation by Dr. Joseph N. Waller A link to the video will be posted at www.preservation.ri.gov/archtober in October.Throughout October

Throughout October

Behind the Scenes: Engaging the Americas at the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology Mellon Grant Project – virtual exhibit

A link to the exhibit will be posted at www.preservation.ri.gov/archtober in October.

Late October (date/time to be announced)

“We wrangled with them for some time:” Conflict Archaeology and the Battle of Rhode Island – presentation by Dr. Joseph N. Waller

(Location to be announced)

Attendees are encouraged to check the website www.preservation.ri.gov/archtober for details before heading out to a program.https://preservation.ri.gov/archtober