Archaeology

Spring 2024 Community Education Archaeology Courses

Archaeological Research

January 1 – May 17
By Appointment
CRN# 10276
CFP 100-51
Fee: $35

For Community Archaeology Program certificate students only.

This course is mandatory for students fulfilling the 60 experience hours required for the SUNY Schenectady Community Archaeology Program (CAP) certificate. Additionally, this course is required for all students engaged in archaeological research and laboratory under a SUNY Schenectady CAP instructor’s supervision. Students must speak with an instructor before registering. Register for Archaeological Research.

Historical Archaeology

Thursdays
February 1 – April 11
6-9 p.m.
CRN# 10345
CFP 106-51
Fee: $165

No class: March 14 This course is designed to introduce students to the field of historical archaeology and to explore methods employed for the study of people of the past. Students will investigate local and regional lifeways of peoples who resided in the Northeast from the 17th century to the recent past. Register for Historical Archaeology.

Archaeological Laboratory Practices

Mondays
March 4 – May 6
6-9 p.m.
CRN# 10525
CFP 103-51
Fee: $165
Online class

This online course gives participants an opportunity to enhance their laboratory skills by learning to further analyze artifacts for identification, laboratory processing, identification for a variety of organic and inorganic objects. Sessions include lectures, visual media, demonstrations, two field trips, a guest lecture, and hands-on activities in the lab. Prerequisite: CFP 106 Historical Archaeology, CFP 102 Native American Archaeology, or Community Archaeology Program permission. Register for Archaeological Laboratory Practices.

Discovering Schenectady’s GE Realty Plot

Tuesdays
March 5-April 7
6-8 p.m.
CRN# 10833
CFP 137-51
Fee: $95

Established in 1900, the General Electric Realty Plot is a unique neighborhood in terms of its location within the city, its distinctive homes, and the world changing historic events that have happened within its borders. This class, taught by Schenectady City Historian, Chris Leonard, will cover these dynamic events and the singular cast of characters who have called “The Plot” their home, including GE inventors and executives, Schenectady business and political leaders, educators, entertainers, and other distinctive individuals. Particular attention will be paid to the avant-garde (for its time) architecture throughout the neighborhood, as well as the formation of the Plot and the ongoing efforts to protect these stately homes. One class will be devoted to a walking tour of the neighborhood. Register for Discovering Schenectady's GE Realty Plot.

Gravestone Cleaning

Saturday
April 6
10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
CRN# 10832
CFP 123-01
Fee: $35

This course will be taught at Vale Cemetery, located at 907 State St., Nott Terrace, Schenectady, New York 12307. Would you like to learn how to clean cemetery stones? Do you have a family plot with a stone that needs cleaning? Are you having a difficult time reading the worn lettering on a stone? Melody Howarth will show you cleaning and reading methods that work. Join Ms. Howarth at Vale Cemetery for this informative workshop. Students will be contacted to the class with meeting instructions. Students are asked to bring gloves, bottled water and a bagged lunch. Materials fee: $10 to be paid to the instructor. Register for Gravestone Cleaning.

New! Palatine Germans 2

Wednesdays
April 3 – May 8
6-8 p.m.
CRN# 10862
CFP 145-51
Fee: $95

The course covers a period up to approximately 1787 and serves to follow the progress of the Palatine German communities from settlement in the Schoharie and into the Mohawk Valley. Discussions will focus on their unique relations with the indigenous inhabitants and European neighbors of these lands. Focus will include their establishment of communities, religion, architecture, economics and the effects of the French and Indian War and American Revolution upon them and their neighbors. Fieldtrip to Stone Arabia, Fort Wagner, and Herkimer Home Historic Site scheduled. No prerequisites – CFP 144 Palatine Germans 1 is not required. Register for Palatine Germans 2.

Archaeological Field Work Program

Tuesdays
April 16 – June 25
6-9 p.m.
CRN# 10454
CFP 109-51
Fee: $165

This course gives students an opportunity to learn and/or enhance specific archaeological fieldwork skills. It is designed to train students in applying the basic principles of surveying a site area by using a transit and other techniques for surface mapping. Students will also receive formal training in excavating and recording archaeological data. Spring sessions will be online. Summer field sessions (beginning June 1) will take place at archaeological sites in the area. Pre-requisite: CFP 106 Historical Archaeology, CFP 102 Native American Archaeology, or Community Archaeology Program permission. Register for Archaeological Field Work Program.