Join SUNY Oswego’s Archaeology Field School in summer 2024 and excavate historic features (19th century Cooper shop, and more!) at the Van Buren Inn and Tavern site in Oswego county, NY!
As an intact 19th century era historic business and dwelling for the Van Buren family (related to President Martin Van Buren), and with a significant part of the existing tavern structure built in the 1810-1820s, the Van Buren Inn and Tavern site represents a unique piece of Oswego county’s local history. Situated on the Oswego River, this site was important in trade and commerce on that river bank. The brick structure that held the Tavern and Inn is still standing, and several other structures and their remnants are also on the property. To date, there has never been a professional modern archaeological excavation on the associated grounds of the tavern and inn, nor is the precise location of many associated buildings, including the cooper (blacksmith) shop known.
We will focus on both historic preservation and professional training in archaeological survey, excavation, artifact analysis, and curation as we survey, map, and excavate historic features on the grounds of this historic site. Field, laboratory, and experimental approaches to archaeology are included in our accredited curriculum that will have students participate from the beginning to the end of an entire historic preservation project. All field and laboratory equipment and materials, including protective gear, will be provided to students by a grant from the Shineman Endowed Foundation at SUNY Oswego. Our curriculum also incorporates local field trips to archaeological and cultural sites within Oswego County. All transportation to and from the campus to field trips will be provided by the instructor.
