WI-3906
June 7-11, 2010
Must commit to full session
Archibald Lake Mounds and Village Site is one of this Forest's premier archaeological resources. Set along a lakeshore in a mature and remarkable forest community, the village is thought to be associated with the prehistoric ancestors of the Menominee people, and was likely occupied between the 11th and 16th centuries A.D. Though some of the mounds and habitation features have been mapped, the village area exceeds 20 hectares and much is left to be discovered. In 2009, our investigations revealed numerous earthen mounds, storage pits and garden beds, which suggested that the site's occupants were horticulturalists. At present, a team of archaeologists representing the Forest Service, Commonwealth Cultural Resources Group and the College of the Menominee Nation are working to determine what was being cultivated and where within the broader site area people were living.
During this year's PIT project, we will build on these data under study and add to our understanding of the site through additional survey and excavations. Participants will use hand tools to remove vegetation and assist with dragging away small trees and shrubs to prepare excavation areas. The result of our work this year will also further contribute to the development of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) nomination. Once again, the project will begin with an introduction to research goals and field methodologies, and will include presentations by a Menominee elder and other experts in regional history and prehistory. There are many recreational opportunities such as hiking and fishing for you to enjoy here, too. So, come join us once again for this unique archaeological experience, and take advantage of what the area has to offer!
Number of openings: 16
Special skills: Must be physically capable of hiking moderate distances in heavily forested, hilly, and often steep terrain each day, and standing/kneeling for long periods; previous archaeological (survey, excavation, and/or mapping), photography, and drawing experience helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 18 years old
Facilities: Developed tent/RV camping at Forest Service Boulder Lake Campground (~20 minutes from Archibald Lake); campsites can accommodate two tents, or one tent and one RV no longer than 50 ft.; water, pit toilets, shower facilities, access to swimming beach and boat ramps; some RV spaces have electrical hook-ups; fees waived for volunteers in tent-camping and basic (without hook-ups) RV spaces, but not for RV spaces with hook-ups; Lakewood and Townsend are full-service communities with motels, restaurants, and a full range of other amenities; volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment and food; campers may be asked to share a campsite with another volunteer
Nearest towns: Lakewood, 4 miles; Townsend, 3 miles; Mountain, 8 miles
Applications due: April 5, 2010
WI-3926
August 9-13, 2010
Must commit to full session
Join staff at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland to participate in a unique project and learn a valuable new skill! PIT volunteers will be trained in oral history techniques and theory, then use their newly acquired knowledge and skills to interview participants who were instrumental in the formation and operation of Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua (LSBTC). LSBTC is a Chequamegon Bay area landmark, and has been known nationally for nearly 25 years. It is a year-round, non profit, performing arts organization that operates a 900-seat, all-canvas, state-of-the-art Tent Theater, wherein concerts, plays, lectures, and other events are produced and performed, following the founding traditions of the early 20th century Chautauqua.
During the first two days of the project, participants will work at the Visitor Center. A professional oral historian, an archivist from the Wisconsin Historical Society, and an interpretive specialist from the Forest Service will teach volunteers the theories and skills of oral history, including pre-interview research and interviewing techniques. From there, volunteers will "hit the field" and conduct actual, audio-recorded interviews at various locations, including the LSBTC grounds. Interview subjects will include LSBTC performers, promoters, and production, operation, and management personnel. Collected oral histories will be transcribed and accessioned into the Wisconsin Historical Society's collections, just in time for LSBTC's 25th anniversary in 2011. This will be a rare and wonderful experience, and we hope you'll share it with us - see you in August!
Number of openings: 12
Special skills: Must be able to adapt to schedule changes with short notice; good communications skills helpful for conducting oral history interviews
Minimum age: 18 years old
Facilities: Ashland and Washburn are full-services communities with hotels/motels, B&Bs, restaurants, and a full range of other amenities; Camping at city-owned campgrounds in Ashland and Washburn; county, state, and federal campgrounds in vicinity; facilities vary, and fees may apply; volunteers responsible for own lodging/personal camping equipment, meals, and transportation
Nearest towns: Project located in Ashland; Washburn, 6 miles; Bayfield, 20 miles
Applications due: June 7, 2010