Document Type

Report

Publication Date

11-19-2008

Abstract

This past year (September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008) was arguably the most productive for the Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project since the site was initially identified on the ground by Western Michigan University archaeologists in 1998. The project has become one of the premier public archaeology programs in the Midwest, guided by the philosophy of community service learning in which students provide a community service and learn through civic engagement. Investigations and interpretations have spawned a number of significant recent developments. First, the City of Niles and Western Michigan University entered into a 10-year collaborative agreement to ensure the continued archaeological study and protection of the fort site, as well as public access to the project’s findings. Second, the project helped to sponsor the Department of Anthropology’s 33rd annual archaeological field school and continued to host summer camps for middle/high school students and credit/noncredit adults in conjunction with the Fort St. Joseph Museum. Third, we welcomed the Michigan Humanities Council as a partner in promoting and hosting our annual archaeological open house. These activities and opportunities for community participation have raised the public and professional profile of the project. The purpose of this report is to summarize the activities conducted under the auspices of the project that were made possible by financial support from WMU, the Fort St. Joseph Museum, private donations, and grants.

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