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Volunteer Registration for Second Fall Session of 2014 Archaeology Program at Garfield Farm Museum CAMPTON HILLS, IL- Garfield Farm Museum is looking for volunteers to help with the second session of archaeological research in September. The hours are Wednesday thru Sunday from 8 am-4 pm during the weeks of September 9-21. The August investigation revealed more information about the glassware and ceramics used by the Culbertson and/or Garfield families. To date over 93 buttons from clothing have been found which is a high number and may or may not be related to the site being an inn from 1841 through September 1846. The investigation is led by James R. Yingst, Director and Chief Archaeologist of Chicago-based Heartland Archaeology Research Program, and a Research Associate in Archaeology at Garfield Farm Museum, work is focused on understanding the lives of the 1830s/1840s settling farmers in Northern Illinois. Registration is currently open. Individuals enrolling for a minimum of 40 hours receive a complete orientation, structured training involving rotation through the activities of shovel excavation, screening of excavated soil for artifact recovery, and washing of recovered artifacts. Participants who successfully complete 40 or more hours will receive certificates documenting hours of training and supervised experience in historical archaeology. Volunteers who can’t commit to 40 hours are also welcome and will receive informal orientations and participate in tasks needed during their hours of participation. The GFM Archaeology Program accepts adult volunteers. Consideration is given to volunteers of ages 14-17 with written parental permission. Volunteers under 14 must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times. It is not recommended for participants under 8. The Culbertson log house/Garfield log tavern stood in the fork of the Chicago/St. Charles Road that branched northwest to Sycamore and southwest to Oregon, Illinois. Culbertson originally claimed 440 acres of land that he improved with a log house, a dug well, and 30 acres under cultivation by mid-1841 when he sold the claim to Timothy Garfield for $650. The Garfield’s immediately saw a lucrative opportunity in establishing an inn to capture the business of the numerous farmers hauling wheat past their house to Chicago’s port. To register as a participant, to visit the excavation site, or to financially contribute to the effort, contact the museum at 630 584-8485, e-mail info@garfieldfarm.org or write to Box 403 LaFox, IL 60147. |