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Last updated on Friday, September 6, 2013
(BEDFORD) - September is Archaeology Month and on September 9th the Hoosier National Forest begins a two week long project.
The first week is an archaeological excavation of portions of a 19th century German American farmstead.
This work began in 2012 to document the lives and culture of Perry County's early German American settlers.
These settlers were, often very literally, "living on the edge", as they cleared and farmed the narrow ridges of what is now the Hoosier National Forest.
Findings of this work will be shared through interpretive signs placed in the area.
During the second week, staff and volunteers will focus on the "mystery domes".
No one knows the purpose of these rock domes or whether they were constructed during the historic or prehistoric period.
A variety of survey techniques such as shovel testing, metal detecting, and sophisticated remote sensing equipment will be used to examine the domes and try to solve the mystery.
This work is in partnership with Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology-Indiana University and uses Passport in Time Volunteers.
Passport in Time is a national program through USDA Forest Service that provides volunteers hands-on opportunities to study historic and prehistoric cultural resources sites.
Volunteers learn new skills and gain experience doing scientific field work while meeting new people and enjoying the great outdoors.
Volunteers from the states of Arizona, Idaho, Missouri, and Pennsylvania will be directed by Dr. Timothy Baumann, curator of the McClung Museum at the University of Tennessee.
To find an opportunity to volunteer, visit www.passportintime.com.
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