Suicide Bend 2016 - Passport in Time
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Current Projects > 2016
Michigan - Huron-Manistee NF
Closed! The Suicide Bend 6 Site Excavation on the Manistee River
Site overview looking east towards the Manistee River
MI-4311
August 15-19; 22-26, 2016
Must commit to one entire session; may participate in more
Imagine yourself on a natural fall line of the Manistee River 1,000 years ago...sturgeon fishing and canoe portaging in an idyllic riverine-woodland setting. Imagine living here, dwelling here, making this your home! Now imagine revisiting the area a millennium later – what might you find? The Huron-Manistee National Forests invites you to assist with the excavation of this setting on the Manistee River in Wellston, specifically the site now referred to as the “Suicide Bend 6.” This year’s project will consist of a two week excavation, during which we will be conducting test unit excavation and artifact sorting, cleaning, and cataloging. With your help, we intend to seek greater insight into Late Woodland subsistence and settlement patterns on the lower Manistee River, in order to help define Late Woodland activities in the Manistee River corridor; seek to provide a basis for comparison to Michigan’s Late Woodland Period regional context; and to determine the site’s eligibility for placement on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
The Suicide Bend 6 project will provide new Passport in Time volunteers with new skills and experience, while allowing PIT volunteers who have previous experience a chance to hone their skills. Non-excavation (artifact processing) work will be conducted at the new Huron-Manistee National Forests Heritage Center, located on the National Register-eligible Chittenden Nursery. The Heritage Center is located in the old Nursery Supervisor’s residence. We are excited about being able to provide volunteers an opportunity like this, and we look forward to hosting you in August!
Number of openings: 20 (10 per session)
Special skills: Must be physically capable of sustained lifting/bending/kneeling/stooping for extended periods each day, and in a variety of weather conditions; previous archaeological excavation, field survey, artifact identification, mapping/documentation procedure, sketching, and/or photography experience helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 18 years old
Facilities: There are a few options available to volunteers participating in this year’s project: first, the Huron-Manistee NF are able to provide dormitory-style rooms at the Chittenden Nursery at no charge; first come, first served; separate full baths; kitchen; five (5) rooms available (two (2) persons per room. Second, volunteers may tent camp at no charge at Chittenden Heritage Center; single bath facility available. There are also multiple camping options at public and private facilities in the greater Wellston area; facilities vary, and fees may apply (project leader has a list of sites; if interested, selectees may inquire at time of selection); Wellston is a full-service community with hotels/motels, restaurants, and a full range of other amenities; volunteers responsible for own lodging (if opting not/unable to stay at Nursery)/camping equipment, meals, and daily transportation to designated meeting area (if opting not/unable to stay at Nursery)
Nearest towns: Project based in Wellston; Manistee, 25 miles; Cadillac, 28 miles
Applications due: Filled!
View Suicide Bend 6 Excavation in a full screen map