First Day at FSJ

Our first day started at 8am on July 7th when we arrived at the site. There was much to be done to prepare for excavation. Our first task was to dig a trench that allows the wet screening run off to be drained. Wet screening allows us to find smaller artifacts by running soil through multiple screens. With help from Neil, the master behind the drainage at the site, we were able to complete it quickly. It was great to see the whole team working together. After mucking the trench and setting up equipment, we got down to business. Units were assigned to every pair. Along with my partner, Connor, I was assigned Unit N6E2. This unit had been previously opened and excavated several times and is the home to Feature 35, a feature of foundational rocks that may connect to something larger. The arrangement of rocks could be a part of a clay foundation or even connect to another neighboring structure. At first look, the unit also featured several charcoal deposits, ash deposits, and signs of widespread oxidation in the soil. Through out the next few weeks I hope to learn about the significance of these features and how they connect to the daily lives of those who lived at Fort St. Joseph. The unit required extra preparation, which set me and my partner back slightly, but fear not, there was plenty of other work to be done.

There were several buckets of soil from the plow zone that needed screening. The plow zone is the soil above where the settlers of Fort St. Joseph would have lived, the occupation zone. It is where soil would have been frequently plowed and moved, meaning most artifacts are not found there. Small bone fragments were the most common artifacts found on my first day. One of my favorite parts of the day was wet screening. The intricate task of sorting through rocks, soil, and possible artifacts was pleasant task. Along with bone fragments, small circular beads produced in Europe in the 15th and 16th century called seed beads were common as well. Beads were frequently used to adorn clothing and used in trading. Their small intricacy fascinated me.

 I also got a lesson in using a scythe. One of our volunteers, Lynn, brought his scythe to trim the tall grasses along the site. He taught me proper technique, arc-like motions kept close to the ground. Though the scythe is an age old tool that is seemingly simple, it is extremely effective! Although the first day was slow moving excavation-wise, important preparation was completed to ensure smoother excavating in the coming day. All in the first day I met several dedicated community members, utilized a scythe, and uncovered several small artifacts during wet screening. I am looking forward to all the people I will meet and the things I will learn in the next few weeks.

- Rachel

Photo 1: This is my unit N6E2. In the top left corner is feature 35. This unit has multiple different soil characteristics.

Photo 2: Using wet screening I found what may be the molar of a deer!