Archaeology

Spring 2025 Community Education Archaeology Courses

Learn more about the Community Archaeology Program's non-credit Certificate of Proficiency in Archaeology and Certificate of Advanced Study in Community Archaeology.

Archaeological Research

January 2 – May 31
By Appointment
CRN# 10242
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.

New! Cultural Resource Management – Online Course

Wednesdays
February 5 – February 26
6-8 p.m.
CRN# 10815
CFP 192-71
Fee: $75

This online course will provide an overview of cultural resource management and how it relates to archaeology research and industry. Students will be provided with information on cultural management methods, ethnics, relevant laws and legislation, and on the job skills and safety practices. The course is lecture-based and supplemented by guest presentations and a panel discussion. Register for Cultural Resource Management.

Archaeological Laboratory Practices – Online Course

Wednesdays
March 5 – May 14
6-9 p.m.
CRN# 10425
CFP 103-71
Fee: $165

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 25 – April 29
6-8:30 p.m.
CRN# 10576
CFP 137-51
Fee: $100

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.

New! Ceramics in Archaeology – the Colonial Period

Thursdays
March 27 – May 8
6-8 p.m.
CRN# 10819
CFP 193-51
Fee: $95

Ceramics in historical archaeology cover a long period from the 1600s through the modern era.  This course will focus on ceramics from the colonial period (1614 – 1777).  Each class will consist of an introductory talk on a particular type of ceramic, followed by a laboratory practicum where students will focus on identifying, describing, and dating the ceramic type using artifacts from a Community Archaeology Program site in Schenectady’s Stockade Historic District. Register for Ceramics in Archaeology.

Gravestone Cleaning

Saturday, April 5
10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
CRN# 10575
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 with class 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.

Archaeological Field Work Program

Tuesdays
April 22 – July 15
6-9 p.m.
CRN# 10378
CFP 109-51
Fee: $165

No class May 13 – May 27

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.