Since 1983

A rare full-grooved ax

Accurate records

Precise measurement

The location and depth of all finds are measured and recorded in order to help determine context and age.

Other points and tools

Campers find evidence of early habitation, including prehistoric flakes and other tool manufacturing debris. Complete projectile points and tools are often discovered.

Everybody participates

All campers take part in the several days of digs that form the heart of archaeology camp. Campers create a a Native name for themselves and learn to drum.

History of Connecticut Indians

The Milford Marine Institute’s important artifact collection is handled by campers and Connecticut’s Native history is discussed before dig work begins.

ARCHAEOLOGY

Students in the Milford Marine Institute’s Archaeology camps participate in several days of digs at sites rich in artifacts from the area’s Paugussett Indians. The native people occupied the Milford area for at least four thousand years, perhaps more. Recent discoveries during Archaeology camp digs suggest that there was native occupation earlier than previously believed. Digs at this important site will continue. For more about the local Paugussets click here:

The discovery of a full-grooved ax was the most important event of the 2011 camp season.The ax is estimated to between and 6 thousand years old.

For more pictures from Archaeology camp click here:

For details of this season’s Archaeology camp click here:

Complete records are maintained for every grid and each day of digging. Every item is photographed, identified and recorded by campers.