Vermont has a remarkably rich and diverse archaeological heritage that spans almost 13,000 years of human history. Sites range from Native American campsites used by Paleo-Indians (the earliest Vermonters), to 12th century Native American farming sites (the earliest known in northern New England), to Revolutionary War shipwrecks, to 19th century farmsteads and industrial sites.

Vermont Archaeology Month highlights Vermont’s remarkable ancient and historic past through informative lectures, interesting workshops, hands-on demonstrations and fun outdoor recreation opportunities.

The South Champlain Historical Ecology Project was started in 2015 to investigate prehistoric Native American sites around the southern end of Lake Champlain. This is one of the most ecologically diverse and historically significant settings within the state of Vermont, but is also an area where almost no archaeology has been conducted. Our preliminary excavations have demonstrated that humans have been interacting with this special landscape starting as early as 11,000 years ago, continuing up until the present day. We invite you to come and learn more about our project and how to volunteer if you are interested!

Elly Spensley Moriarty grew up in Pittsford and attended Otter Valley before studying archaeology at Williams College and Boston University. She and her husband Matthew (also an archaeologist) have been running the South Champlain Historical Ecology Project in West Haven for the last two summers.