The True Meaning Behind the Pine Lake Archeological Field School

The Hartwick College Pine Lake Archaeological Field School is nothing new. Students have been getting their hands dirty at this Charlotte Creek floodplain for decades. While the methods and tools may have evolved over the years, the fundamental lessons learned back then remain as relevant today as ever.

“What we really try to do at this field school is train students in the techniques, skills and conduct that is expected of them at any archeological site,” said Namita Sugandhi, associate professor of anthropology, who has run the Hartwick side of the program for three seasons.

"Our goal is that any student from this program can be hired by a cultural resource management firm or join another dig and hit the ground running. We don't highlight what artifacts you may find. Instead, we focus on the logic and techniques."

Namita Sugandhi

Associate Professor of Anthropology

The field school, which took place from May 29 through June 28, was a joint project between Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta. Hartwick College had three students attend: James Dema ’27, Jonathan Neal ’25 and Silas Moyer ’26, who also served as a teaching assistant. Moyer already has plenty of experience in the field, as his mother, Rebecca Moyer ’91, learned archeological methodology and excavation at the same Pine Lake site. His father, David Moyer, runs Birchwood Archeological Services in Gilbertsville, N.Y.

“We take pride in our reputation of the Pine Lake Field School,” said Moyer ’26. “That’s why we always make sure to live up to the standard that we are reliable.

"When students leave here, they can go onto any archaeological excavation and know what to do."

Silas Moyer '26

Field School Teaching Assistant

These prehistoric campsites from the Late Archaic period (c. 3000-1000 BCE) are found on Hartwick College’s Pine Lake Environmental Campus.

“Pine Lake is really just one of the many things Hartwick has that makes it stand out,” said Jonathan Neal ’25.

Attendees and organizers agree: attending the field school is much more than earning college credits. It’s about being job-ready and making memories to last a lifetime!

For additional coverage, click here.

July 16, 2024
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