The Community

The town of Niles continue to blow me away from the kindness that has been offered to us as students and the generosity of the community. As a Michigan native I was excited to learn more about the history of my state from this site. I really do not even need the physical site in order to fulfill my wish. The volunteers offer so much to us students just by sharing their experience, let alone taking the time to teach us and answer questions, from Mary Ellen Drolet explaining mapping techniques to Neil Hassinger aiding with hand excavating. They have demonstrated trowel methods and offered support while on site. 

Those of us in the field haven’t even made the largest impact, it is the community showing support for FSJ and attending events that has been the most powerful to see. The kids of the archeology summer camp have shared their interests in the site, which has also been really enjoyable. Many of the campers developed interest in the project by attending the Open Houses and wanted to be here more. The campers are very passionate and quick to learn, gaining hands-on experience and a greater interest in history. 

    This project is not just a couple of credits anymore, and that is due to the care of the community. The community passion has spread to me and all of the other students. One of the things that impacted me the most was a community member anticipating our needs and bringing drinks with electrolytes to hydrate us while the sun is so hot. The people of Niles give me a lot of honor and pride that they are supporting me and my fellow students by trusting us with a site so important to Nile’s history. It brings me joy that my work can help expand the town’s history, and it is such a privilege to be here. 

- Kate

Photo 1: Community members and campers helping with the wetscreen

Photo 2: Mary Ellen observing pit tours, listening to students describe what they have discovered

Photo 3: Neil sharpening his trowel