A significant part of our research at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center is identifying local material culture collections associated with the Pequot War and King Philip’s War of 1675-1676. We have been lucky to work with people from across New England and the United States – as well as overseas – at small orginazations like historical societies, to larger institutions like the Smithsonian.

We are always impressed with what we find, and the people we meet! Identifying objects and artifacts attributed to Natives and other colonists in New England from the 17th century gives glimpses into an often misunderstood period in New England history. Our researchers will often examine, photograph, list, and map out where these objects were collected, who they belonged to, and how they came down to us today. Then, researchers will use this information to inform other research – like how these objects might appear in the archaeological record – as in, what would this object look like if we pulled it out of the dirt when working at a site?

Thank you to all the origanizations who have helped us – we couldn’t have done it without you.

Kevin McBride (project director) and consultant Ashley Bissonnette will continue material culture research this coming week when they visit the North Brookfield Historical Society in North Brookfield, Massachusetts. Have fun!

Research into local artifacts in North Brookfield