Excavations Middle Grant Creek 2017 - Passport in Time
Main menu:
Current Projects > 2017
Illinois - Midewin NTP
Closed! Prehistory on the Prairie: Excavations at Middle Grant Creek Site
2016 Excavations at Middle Grant Creek
IL-4333
July 17-August 11, 2017
Must commit to 1 entire session; may participate in more
Session Dates:
Session 1) July 17–21
Session 2) July 24–28
Session 3) July 31– August 4
Session 4) August 7–11
Session 1) July 17–21
Session 2) July 24–28
Session 3) July 31– August 4
Session 4) August 7–11
Join us on the prairie this year as we go exploring the cusp of prehistory at the Middle Grant Creek site! The mission of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is the restoration and preservation of indigenous prairieland – a now rare type of ecosystem – that nearly disappeared after 200 years of Euro-American land use in the area. As part of that effort, ongoing, archaeological research is being done to identify both prehistoric and historic sites, cultures, and land-use patterns. One such site, identified in 2002, is the Middle Grant Creek Site. The site is a Oneota Culture (ca. A.D. 1150-1700) resource extraction and utilization site, dating to the Huber Phase (ca. A.D. 1500-1650). Phase II testing in 2006 determined that it was eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and, last year, Professor Mark Schurr, of the University of Notre Dame, and Dr. Madeleine McLeester, of the University of Chicago, began what is likely to be a four-year project to further investigate the site. So, we invite you to come out to the Midewin and work side-by-side with these professionals! You will get the chance to excavate, screen, and record the site, and help us find evidence of how Huber people lived and interacted with their environment. And, while you’re here, before or after your session, on weekends between sessions, or what-have you, enjoy the city of Chicago and its museums, restaurants, and other attractions, only one hour away – see you this summer!
Number of openings: 32 (8 volunteers per session)
Special skills: Must be physically capable of extended periods of sitting/kneeling/standing/stooping, and other repetitive motions, and in a variety of weather conditions; previous archaeological excavation, mapping, photography, GPS, and or late prehistoric (particularly Oneota/Huber Phase) artifact identification experience helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 18 years old
Facilities: There is no camping available on the Midewin, however there are many camping areas, RV parks, and other lodgings (hotels/motels) available within and in proximity to nearby towns (a comprehensive list can be provided to selectees; please inquire at time of selection); amenities vary from site to site, and fees will apply; volunteers responsible for own lodging/personal camping equipment, meals, extra water, and daily transportation to and from work site
Nearest towns: Elwood, ~3 miles; Wilmington, ~4 miles; Joliet, ~13 miles
Applications due: June 12, 2017
View Excavations at Middle Grant Creek in a full screen map