Archaeology Month Includes Hikes, Shipwrecks, Atlatls and More
September 8, 2011, page 12.....

For the past nine years, the Vermont Archaeological Society (VAS), in conjunction with the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation (VDHP), has sponsored Vermont Archaeology Month during September.
The month has included hikes into the Green Mountains to learn about a thriving 19th century village now overgrown; a hike along the Crown Point Road and the signature event, the Northeastern Open Atlatl Championship & Festival of Nations.
This year, the Atlatl Championship will be held on the weekend of September 16-18. On Friday an atlatl workshop will be held where participants learn to make their own atlatl (spearthrower) for use in Saturday’s open competition. Sunday the International Standard Accuracy Competition will be held followed by a master class offered to both boys and girls.
In addition to the atlatl events, a flintknapping workshop will be held both days offered by master flintknapper Barry Keegan. An intermediate course will be included for those who wish to hone their skills. Charles Paquin will be on site, demonstrating traditional pottery making techniques and offering hands-on instruction to those interested in this ancient craft.
All events will be held at Mount Independence State Historic Site in Orwell. The atlatl weekend is usually held at Chimney Point State Historic Site but was moved last year due to the construction of the Champlain Bridge.
Other events occurring during the month include shipwreck tours offered by the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, a walking tour of the mills in Springfield and a walk through the fields at the Rokeby Museum. A complete list can be found on the Vermont Archaeological Society’s Web site vtarchaeology.org/events. Most events are free of charge or require admission to the sponsoring organization.
Vermont Archaeology Month is a joint project of the Vermont Archaeological Society and the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation and is funded by a grant from the Vermont Agency of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.