2024 Annual Meeting

The cemetery at Fort William Henry has fascinated summer visitors and archaeologists alike since 1953. After a series of excavations starting in 1953, there are still unanswered questions. Who were these people? Were they British Regulars, Colonial troops or even French? The cemetery is popularly assumed to date to the French & Indian War (1755-1759), but there was a substantial military occupation during the American Revolution. Would a study of changes in burial practices observed there be enlightening?

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About the Presenter:

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My family lived near Lake George until I was 12. My father, grandfather and great grandfather were masons and I heard their stories of finding graves and interesting artifacts during construction. I thought that that must be the most exciting thing! 

 

After the Northway came through our property we moved to Bacon Hill. I attended Schuylerville High School, SUNY ADK and Skidmore College with a B.A. in French. 

 

After graduation I moved back to the Queensbury-Lake George area. I renewed my interest in archaeology and joined the Adirondack Chapter NYS Archaeological Association which at that time met in Fort Edward. I took a few courses in archaeology at SUNY ADK and was invited by Maria Liston to participate in work at the Fort William Henry Cemetery.

After that I volunteered at the NYS Museum on the Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act. 

 

I have worked at excavations in Vermont, Rogers Island, Fort George, Fort William Henry and Easton. Most recently I participated in the Courtland St. Buying Ground project from the first day in 2019 to the last day in 2020. 

 

Right now I am working with John Schroeter and the NYS Museum in finishing cataloging and analysing the artifacts from Courtland St. 

 

My primary interest is in burial archaeology. My other interests are herbal medicine (historic) and Scottish Fiddle.

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