Archaeological investigations throughout the northeastern United States have shown that the region has been occupied by Native Americans since the end of the Ice Age. In Fairfield County, archaeological digs have yielded evidence of this long tenure by these first occupants. Much of this evidence has been found by both professional and avocational archaeologists working in the area. This presentation will discuss the current state of our knowledge about the region’s first peoples and their cultural and technological adaptations to the changing natural environment of the Northeast. Artifacts from local sites investigated by students from the Norwalk Community College Archaeology Certificate Program will also be available for inspection. Attendees are encouraged to bring any Native American artifacts they have found in the area for identification.
Ernest A. Wiegand has been a professor of archaeology at Norwalk Community College since 1975, when the archaeology certificate program was designed to make archaeology accessible for the avocational archaeologist. He received a Master’s degree in anthropology from Hunter College and has also been active with the Archaeological Society of Connecticut as well as performing many compliance-driven archaeological and historical studies in Fairfield County Connecticut and Westchester County New York.
Summary
Professor Ernest Wiegand provided a comprehensive overview of the Fairfield County’s archaeological history from the Paleo-Indian period to early European contact.
Paleo-Indian Period (12000-8000 BC)
The earliest human occupation in Connecticut dates back to around 13,000-14,000 years ago, following the retreat of glaciers. During this time, the environment was significantly different, with the shoreline much further out and now-extinct megafauna like mammoths and mastodons roaming the area. The Paleo-Indian people used distinctive fluted projectile points known as Clovis points for hunting.
Notable Paleo-Indian sites in Connecticut include:
- The Templeton site in Washington Depot
- A recently discovered site along the Farmington River
- The Allen Meadow site in Wilton
These sites provide valuable insights into the earliest human inhabitants of the region, their tools, and their way of life.
Archaic Period (8000-1000 BC)
Following the Paleo-Indian period , the Archaic period saw significant environmental changes, including the establishment of modern flora and fauna. Key developments during this time included:
- The transition to a deciduous forest ecosystem
- The rise of white-tailed deer as the primary game animal
- The use of spear-throwers for hunting
- The development of ground stone tools
Archaic period sites are more numerous and diverse, reflecting a more settled lifestyle and adaptation to local environments.
Woodland Period (1000 BC – 1540 AD)
The Woodland period is marked by several important innovations:
- The introduction of pottery around 1,000 BC
- The adoption of bow and arrow technology around 500 AD
- The beginnings of agriculture, particularly corn cultivation
- The establishment of more permanent settlements
During this period, there’s evidence of increased social complexity and the first signs of conflict between Native American groups.
Contact Period (Early 1600s)
The arrival of European explorers and settlers in the early 17th century marked the beginning of the Contact period. This era saw significant changes in Native American life, including:
- The introduction of European trade goods
- Devastating epidemics that decimated Native populations
- Increased conflict, such as the Pequot War
Archaeological evidence from this period is relatively rare but provides valuable insights into the early interactions between Native Americans and Europeans.
Archaeological Techniques and Challenges
The lecture highlighted several important aspects of archaeological practice:
- The use of various dating techniques, including radiocarbon dating and relative dating based on artifact typology
- The importance of context in interpreting archaeological finds
- The challenges of preservation in New England’s acidic soils
- The use of modern technologies like ground-penetrating radar and LIDAR in archaeological research
Threats to Archaeological Sites
The lecture also addressed the ongoing threats to archaeological sites, primarily from development. Key points include:
- The irreplaceable nature of archaeological sites and the information they contain
- The importance of conducting archaeological surveys before development projects
- The role of state and local regulations in protecting archaeological resources
- The need for collaboration between archaeologists, developers, and local communities
Community Involvement and Education
Professor Wiegand emphasized the importance of community involvement in archaeology, highlighting:
- The contributions of avocational archaeologists to local research
- The archaeology program at Norwalk Community College, which provides hands-on experience for students
- The value of public education and outreach in preserving archaeological resources
Conclusion
The lecture underscores the rich archaeological heritage of Connecticut and the ongoing efforts to study and preserve it. It emphasizes the importance of archaeology in understanding the region’s long human history and the need for continued research and protection of archaeological sites. Professor Wiegand concluded with a call for increased awareness and cooperation in preserving archaeological resources, recognizing that once these sites are destroyed, a unique page of history is lost forever. The lecturer encouraged audience members to report any potential archaeological finds and to support local efforts in archaeological research and preservation.
Professor Wiegand also offered to evaluate findings of DMA members that may have archeological significance. Simply contact him to arrange an appointment and bring your artifacts.