LAKE CHAMPLAIN VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY:
Bringing History Home

The Voyages Summer Archeology Program in Addison was a resounding success. Over 100 volunteers worked together with the University of Maine Farmington archeologists, teachers and the Vermont State Archeologist to uncover the 18th Century history along the lake shore at the DAR State Park. Read the preliminary summary of this summer's work prepared by the University of Maine Farmington.

Voyages Volunteers Made All the Difference!

A remarkable group of volunteers helped make the Voyages project a success beyond anything we had imagined. Over 100 volunteers, from age 7 to 70, worked for an hour, a few hours, a day, or even a week or more along side the professional archeologists as we unraveled the unwritten shoreline history at the DAR State Park. While many volunteers generously contributed their physical labor and enthusiasm, several additionally offered historic information and insights into the archeological record. Thank you to each and every one of our magnificent volunteers. We want to especially thank those volunteers who returned day after day to work in the dirty test pits: for the sheer joy of getting dirty, of "doing" archeology, and of collaborating with a great group of people in the study of history: Megan Battey, Matteo Klinguely, Bill Rath, Carol Roberts, Frank Schlamp, and Bob Van Arsdell. We also want to thank a patient and gifted photographer who gave generously of his time and energy to document the entire 3 weeks of the project: Will Costello.

The Voyages project far exceeded our already high expectations. Visitors from near and far (lots of neighbors, parents and kids, home-schoolers, and so many others) heard about the project through word of mouth, the Boston Globe, the Times Argus and many other other newspapers, radio and TV shows, and the local store, among some sources. They loved the chance to visit a "working" dig, get their hands dirty, and learn about archeology and history while doing it. While many local folks were well-aware of the importance of this part of Addison County to Vermont and regional history, the area's role in national and international history was less known. There were many specific parts of this story they learned for the first time. One of the guest books recorded comments such as "Nice job! Great public exposure," "Fun!", "Very interesting," Fascinating!", "Cool!", and " Excellent opportunities."

Teachers Learn Archeology While Doing It!

Fifteen remarkable teachers joined the Voyages project to experience this special hands-on learning opportunity: Linda Brady, Kathy Douglas, Anne Friedrichs, Allison Gee, Barbara Hirai, Joy Hopkins, Jennifer Lawson, Peter Lihatsh, John Peterson, Martha Quatt, Bjarki Sears, Stephanie Smith, Julie Stevenson, Don Taylor, and Carl Williams. Several spent the full 3 weeks taking advantage of every archeological learning moment available, including helping wet-water screen a very important, nearby, 4,000 year old site on the Lemon Fair river in Cornwall. Most teachers stayed for a week and several camped out near the site. One teacher joined us for only 1 day but what a full day it was. All agreed that it was a remarkable, memorable week packed with interesting and fun activities, from discussing readings to excavating, from lab work to field trips, surrounded by engaged and knowledgeable archeologists and guest instructors (historians and native americans and other experts). Regardless of how long they joined the Voyages "community," teachers completely immersed themselves in learning about the Native American and early European history of the Lake Champlain Basin, in general, and this locale, in particular. For all the teachers, their "immersion" into archeology and history and other topics "far exceeded their expectations," already high to begin with. Rutland High School History teacher John Peterson's comments inspire us to continue creating similar programs in the years ahead: "This sort of program is so invigorating….It really 'charges the batteries.' I liked the mix of grade-levels and expectations represented by the group of participants. I also like the acknowledgment that process is an important component in itself…. not simply a vehicle to the end. This will not 'end' -- I see this as a starting point for more activities and exchanges with other teachers."

Teachers obtaining graduate credits for the program, through the University of Vermont's Continuing Education Program, wrote very interesting and moving "Reflective Essays" on their experience.

Kathleen Douglas, Vergennes, VT - Ferrisburgh Central School (5th - 6th Grades).
Voyages of Discovery Reflective Essay, August 2, 2007

Allison Gee, Vergennes, VT - Formerly with Vergennes Union High School (7th - 8th Grades)
Voyages of Discovery Reflective Essay,August 13, 2007

Bjarki V. Sears, Middlebury, VT - Middlebury High School (9th - 12th Grades)
In the Land of the People of the Dawn: A Reflection on People and Place in the Champlain Valley at the Time of First European Contact, July 27, 2007

Donald H. Taylor III, Burlington, VT - Main Street Middle School (7th - 8th Grades)
Lake Champlain Voyages of Discovery Reflective Essay
August 10, 2007

For more detailed information, including project background, fun photos, great readings, places to visit and much more click on the Lake Champlain Voyages of Discovery link.