Well, the time has come. After a week of beautiful 70 degree weather, the Battlefields staff is gearing up once again for another exciting field season. Archaeological work will begin shortly!

So, what do archaeologists do to prepare for a field season?

• Research the Site: Part of the Battlefields project research has been to understand the local history of where our sites might be. For example, after the Pequot War ended in 1638, Connecticut has changed! Land was cultivated by farmers, cities grew up, roads were built. Each of the Battlefields sites has a unique and long history. Before archaeologists begin to dig, it is important to have an understanding of how the land was used before and after the events we are looking for.

• Gather Field Tools: What types of tools? Screens, shovels (both round and square), trowels, measuring tapes, clipboards, bug spray, pencils/markers, tarps, raincoat, paper and plastic bags – and for Battlefields of the Pequot War – metal detectors. I’m sure I have missed something here – feel free to correct me in the Comments section below!

• Prepare Paperwork: Talk with any archaeologist and you will hear A LOT about paperwork. When archaeologists work or “dig” at any site, they are essentially destroying it. Therefore, much of time in the field is dedicated to writing and drawing, numbering and mapping. Archaeologists need to make sure after the site has been dug, they can completely reconstruct the archaeological site back at the laboratory.

• Consult Site Directors, Landowners and other necessary officials: For the Battlefields project, it is necessary for us to stay in touch, in constant communication with both our colleagues and landowners. We also need to be sure there are no underground lines or pipes in the local area, that there is a local bathroom and a place to park our vehicles. It seems simple, yet it can be quite complicated! Our main goal: if we are working in a neighborhood, we should be so quiet and minimally that you may not even know we are there, or have been there in the past.

• And, Get in Shape: Archaeology is hard work. Dirt is heavy!

Remember, look for us soon!

The Diggers

Some archaeological tools of the trade: a trowel, screen, tarp, a metal detector's "pinpointer" and some dirt!