newsDetail

myTrent

Showcase


newsDetail

Bookmark and Share

Celebrating Local Archaeological Heritage: Trent Alumnus Edits New Book

Peterborough Archaeology launched September 22 at Trent University

Celebrating Local Archaeological Heritage: Trent Alumnus Edits New Book
Celebrating Local Archaeological Heritage: Trent Alumnus Edits New Book

It's no surprise that Trent University is heavily represented in Peterborough Archaeology, a new book published by the Peterborough Chapter of the Ontario Archaeological Society (OAS), says Trent alumnus Dirk Verhulst.

"Many graduates from Trent's anthropology program continue to live and work in the Peterborough area," explained Mr. Verhulst, who graduated from Trent with an M.A. in Anthropology in 1981 and edited the new book. "There is a strong local gathering of experts in archaeology who are affiliated with Trent and Fleming College."

Of the twenty experts who contributed chapters to the book, twelve are former or current students, researchers, or instructors at Trent.

Peterborough Archaeology was launched at Trent's Gzowski College on September 22, 2015 as part of a panel discussion on the Brock Street Burial, a significant Peterborough archaeological site. Four members of the local chapter, who contributed articles about the burial site to the book, shared their personal experiences with an audience of students, faculty, archaeologists, and community members.

The book grew out of an OAS symposium entitled The Land Between and the Trent@50 Archaeological Symposium – a special day-long event hosted by the Trent University Archaeological Research Centre (TUARC) in honour of Trent’s 50th anniversary held in October 2014.

"The theme of the conference refers to the ‘ecotone’ between Kingston and Georgian Bay, and the archaeology and people that are specific to that region," Mr. Verhulst said. "With the success of the symposium we thought it would be a good idea to follow up with a book featuring contributions from people who participated in that event."

"We asked them to contribute a chapter with an emphasis on local archaeological stories that would appeal to a broad audience," Mr. Verhulst said. The articles illustrate the rich archaeological heritage of the region and tell the personal stories behind important discoveries. The book includes essays by local First Nations members which provide insights into the value that traditional knowledge and history contribute to the practice of archaeology.

Mr. Verhulst pointed out that proceeds from the sale of the book, which retails for $15, will be used to fund local public education and outreach initiatives organized by the Peterborough Chapter of the OAS, including monthly presentations, educational projects, and periodic "dig days" where people can experience archaeology first hand.

Peterborough Archaeology can be purchased at the Peterborough Museum and Archives, the Canadian Canoe Museum, Whetung Ojibwa Centre, Petroglyphs Provincial Park, or from any executive members of the Peterborough Chapter of the OAS.

Posted on Tuesday, September 29, 2015.

Read More News ยป