Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (September 18, 2021) – Crossroads at Big Creek has received a grant from the Wisconsin Humanities Council for a new Fall Archaeological Dig titled “Sharing the Stories of the People and the Land,” supporting Wisconsin Humanities’ mission to strengthen the roots of community life through educational and cultural programs that inspire civic participation and individual imagination.
This year’s Fall Dig will be conducted during the last week of September and the first week of October and will be open to the public “by appointment.”
Last spring, “Archaeology by Appointment” was offered just to keep our program going in the midst of COVID. Learners of all ages – individuals, small groups of friends, youth groups, families – participated in a 45-minute session by making an appointment. This effort was so successful, it will continue this fall. Outdoor archaeology experiences tare also now offered o school groups.
Similar to last year, “hands-in-the-dirt” instruction will take place at the state-registered Middle and Late Woodland Site DR47-35 (near the kayak landing at The Cove, on the corner of Utah Street and 21st Place) and at the Hanson Norwegian Homestead, directly across Utah Street where Hans and Bertha Hanson built their home in 1856. Last year’s Dig revealed that First Nation People apparently also settled along this stretch of Big Creek.
Folks who opt to dig at The Cove will continue work in the test unit where several interesting features have been found and where further study is needed.
At the Hanson Homestead, Dig participants will do a Phase 1 study, conducting shovel tests along a grid in hopes of finding the location of the original homesite and outbuildings as well as remnants of the privy. (Privies, in addition to their everyday use, were used to dispose of all sorts of items and tend to be a great source of information to archaeologists.)
This research project, funded in part by the Wisconsin Humanities Council grant, helps corroborate and illuminate an evolving story – that the land shaped the people who lived here just as the people who lived here shaped the land. (This story continues, by the way, with the restoration work Crossroads is currently doing!)
Participating in an authentic archaeological dig is on many people’s bucket list. If it’s on yours, or if you want a fun and educational activity for you or your family, consider booking an “Archaeology by Appointment” session.
To sign up, or for more information, email coggin@crossroadsatbigcreek.org . Please put “Dig” in the subject line and indicate whether you would prefer to work at The Cove or the Hanson Homestead and if there are specific days (Monday-Friday) you would prefer. We will respond by e-mail.
Meanwhile, the Habitat Healers meet Saturday mornings from 9:30-11:30 a.m. On September 25, Healers will plant trees in an effort to restore the Big Creek Preserve to the forested land it was prior to European settlement. Volunteers of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to participate. Instruction will be given. Equipment and gloves provided along with cookies and lemonade when the work is done.
A pre-school group, the Junior Nature Club, will meet on Friday mornings at 10:00 at the Collins Learning Center.
On Tuesday, September 28 at 6:30 p.m., the Door County Beekeepers Club, a group which promotes the study, science and craft of beekeeping through education and encouragement, invites the general public – and especially folks who are thinking of becoming beekeepers – to their September meeting at the Collins Learning Center.
Crossroads at Big Creek Learning Center and Nature Preserve is located at 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Crossroads is a 501(c)3 organization committed to offering education, conducting research and providing outdoor experiences to inspire environmental stewardship in learners of all ages. We welcome your support! Become a member of Crossroads by mailing your support to P.O. Box 608, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, or donate online at www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org. Masks recommended inside buildings.
EVENTS
Wednesday, Sept. 22, 4:30 – 7:00 pm “A Workshop in Racial Equity”
Crossroads, along with Door County Medical Center, invites you to join us for an award-winning workshop presented by Cream City Conservation’s engaging and knowledgeable founder August Ball. The workshop will explore how compounded disparities impact communities of color in every corner of society, be it socio-economic, political, educational, health, etc. and will provide historical context on the key components driving these inequities.
The goal of this workshop is to develop shared language for how to discuss these issues in a way that can usher in understanding and change. The workshop takes place virtually. There is no charge, but pre-registration is required. To register, email info@crossroadsatbigcreek.org and include “Workshop” in the memo. You will receive a link to the meeting in reply.
Friday, Sept. 24, 10:00 a.m. Junior Nature Club
Junior Nature Club is an activity for pre-school age students. The topic will be “Nature at Big Creek.” The target audience is children 3-5 but siblings and parents are welcome. Free. Meet at the Collins Learning Center Porch. No pre-registration needed.
Saturday, Sept. 25
9:30 -11:30 a.m. Habitat Healers
Volunteers of all ages are invited to help with our land restoration efforts. Instruction will be given. Equipment and gloves provided along with cookies and lemonade when the work is done. Please wear clothing that can get dirty and wet and appropriate footwear. Meet at the Workshop/Nursery at the Main Campus parking lot at 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
Monday, Sept. 27 – Friday, Sept. 24
Monday, Oct. 4 – Friday, Oct. 8
Archaeology by Appointment
Learners of all ages are invited to participate in an archaeological dig at the state-registered Middle and Late Woodland Site DR47-35 (near the kayak landing at The Cove, on the corner of Utah Street and 21st Place) and at the Hanson Norwegian Homestead, across Utah Street. To sign up for a 45-minute session, or for more information, e-mail coggin@crossroadsatbigcreek.org . Please put “Dig” in the subject line and indicate whether you would prefer to work at The Cove or the Hanson Homestead and let us know the number of participants (and ages of children) and the specific days and times (Monday-Friday) you would prefer. We will respond by e-mail.
Tuesday, Sept. 28, 6:30 p.m. Door County Beekeepers Club
The Door County Beekeepers Club, a group which promotes the study, science and craft of beekeeping through education and encouragement, invites the general public – and especially folks who are thinking of becoming beekeepers – to their September meeting at the Collins Learning Center.
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