Real life Indiana Jones class offered at UNI this summer

When people think of archaeology they usually think ancient Egypt or Indiana Jones, but there are fascinating archaeological happenings going on here in Cedar Falls.
   
In fall of 2007, the University of Northern Iowa’s archaeology professor Donald Gaff met with the director of Hartman Reserve Nature Center in Cedar Falls. Together they developed plans for an archaeological field school that took place at Hartman last summer.
   
Seven students took part in the field school, and the findings were abundant. A campsite about 1,500 years old was discovered, as well as many bits of pottery and stone tools left by prehistoric Native Americans. They also found miniature projectile points less than an inch long. These projectile points are very unique, nothing like them has been found in the area.
   
Gaff treats field school students as members of a research team, and students have had the opportunity to present their findings at the Midwest Archaeological Conference in Milwaukee, Wisc. and the Central States Anthropological Society meetings in Urbana-Champaign, Ill.
   
Due to its success, the field school will be offered again this summer. There will be increased testing and exploration of previously worked sites as well as discovering new sites.
   
“I intend to continue excavation of the campsite, but our search for additional sites will take us to new parts of the reserve and hopefully new discoveries to help us paint a picture of what people were doing along the Cedar River a thousand years ago,” said Gaff.
   
The field school is more than a chance to do archaeology; it is also a way to make new friends.
   
“Field schools always attract some of the most curious and adventurous people which make fieldwork fun for everyone,” said Gaff.
   
Undergraduate students can earn three to six credit hours by participating, as the field school is being run through continuing education. Those interested in archaeology, history or just doing things outdoors are encouraged to enroll for a one-of-a-kind hands-on experience close to UNI.    

1 comments

Shovel bum

Thu Sep 10 2009 15:10

This was a great opportunity. Archaeology is the bomb.

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