Peterborough Chapter of the Ontario Archaeological Society
Media Release and Announcement
The Peterborough Chapter of the Ontario Archaeological Society is pleased to announce the publication of a new book about archaeology in the Peterborough area.
Peterborough Archaeology is an outcome of the Ontario Archaeological Symposium hosted by the local chapter in October of last year. Contributing authors include chapter members, as well as archaeologists who have given presentations at the group’s monthly public meetings. Proceeds from sales of the book will go towards public education about Peterborough’s rich and fascinating archaeological heritage.
The book is edited by Dirk Verhulst, secretary of the Peterborough Chapter. Lay out and design were done by Grant Karcich, a local chapter member, as well as the Director of Publications for the Ontario Archaeological Society.
“It seemed like a natural follow-up to all the local interest and enthusiasm generated by the provincial symposium as well as the many community events that resulted from Mayor Bennett’s declaration of Archaeology Week last year,” said Mr. Verhulst. “I especially appreciate the contributions of chapter members and previous guest speakers who volunteered to write articles for the book. Each of them has a fascinating story to tell,” he added.
Some of the essays in this book are personal reflections on people, places and issues related to local archaeology. Brian Ross and Sheryl Smith set the context within the unique ‘ecotone’ of which Peterborough is a part. Doug Williams, Anne Taylor, and Julie Kapyrka remind readers about the importance of practising archaeology in consultation with the local First Nations and present convincing arguments for how such partnerships can offer fascinating insights into local traditions and history.
Other contributions focus on significant archaeological discoveries made at important local sites, including: Pat Dibb (The Brock Street Burial); Susan Jamieson (The Moodie Farmstead, West Burleigh Falls); William Fox and Tom Mohr (The Honey Farm); Dirk Verhulst (The Serpent Mounds, The Peterborough Petroglyphs); Lisa Sonnenburg (Rice Lake); Peter Carruthers (Quackenbush); and Gordon Dibb (Trent-Foster).
Several articles provide personal and individual insights into an amazing variety of archaeological topics and issues: Susan Neale (museum archaeology); Rudy Fecteau (archaeobotany); Jeremy Ward (the archaeology of canoes); Leora Berman (spirituality in The Land Between); Tom Mohr (community outreach); Janice Teichroeb (public archaeology); William Fox (stories in stone); Morgan Tamplin (community participation); and Doug Williams and Julie Kapyrka (native languages and oral traditions).
The first opportunity for members of the public to purchase a copy of the book will be on Sept.5 between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Trent Valley Archives Open House, 567 Carnegie Ave. Members of the Peterborough Chapter will be joining the launch of TVA’s new book on Champlain.
The publication of this book was made possible through a City of Peterborough Community Development Grant. The cost of the book is $15.
For further information contact: Dirk Verhulst at 705-742-7392 or dverhulst@cogeco.ca.
