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Mills Mansion Site
Location: Mount
Morris, Livingston County, New York
Season dates: Weekend dig, Saturday & Sundays, July 9,
2011 – August 14, 2011
Program Type: Field School
Students spend six
weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) of excavation and artifact treatment at
the early 19th century National Landmark homestead of Maj. Gen. William
Augustus Mills in the Genesee Valley of Western New York. This remarkable
site preserves two centuries of continuous historical occupation, beneath
which lies a significant prehistoric Archaic component (ca. 5,000 B.P.)
yielding evidence of extensive stone tool making. The restored 19th century
mansion contains on-site labs and serves as base of operations, where team
members participate in excavation and laboratory processing of artifacts from
all time periods.
Affiliation
St. John Fisher College and Mount Morris Historical
Society
Project Director
Justin A. Tubiolo, St. John Fisher College
Description
The Mills Mansion Site, located one mile from the
Genesee River in western New York, was the homestead of Major General
William Augustus Mills (1777-1844), who served during the defense of the
Niagara frontier in the War of 1812 and commanded the New York militia from
six counties. He became a prosperous gentleman farmer and an influential
figure in early 19th century Livingston County. Later in life (1838), the
General built his elegant Federal style house with Greek Revival accents on
Lot 1 in the Village of Mount Morris, which he founded. The restored
General William A. Mills House is listed on both the New York State and
National Registers of Historic Places and is accredited through the
American Association for State and Local History. It is owned and operated
by the Mount Morris Historical Society.
Extensive
excavations during several previous seasons revealed an array of 19th
century structures and landscape features around the house, some of which
have been reconstructed based upon the archaeological evidence. Recovered
artifacts guide the historical society in building its collections of
objects for period rooms.
Additionally,
an Archaic period horizon lies beneath the historical strata in this
remarkable stratified site. A prehistoric hearth area has been studied, as
well as evidence of extensive stone tool making on the site. Each season’s
fieldwork explores both the historic and prehistoric components. Students
will participate in excavation and laboratory processing of finds from all
time periods, from the present back through the prehistoric. The General’s
mansion itself serves as the archaeological team’s base of operations and
houses the artifact laboratories and exhibits.
Period(s) of
occupation
Multi-Component: 1837 to present, and prehistoric
Archaic period
Details for Students:
- All
equipment is provided.
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Daily transportation or lodging are the
student’s responsibility.
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Students may earn 3-6 college credits.
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Six Saturdays and Six Sundays.
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ANTH 493-02 Archaeological Fieldwork.
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Registration begins mid-April by calling
Office of Academic Affairs (585) 385-8034. Students from colleges
other than St. John Fisher must obtain instructor’s permission before
registering.
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Instructor: Justin Tubiolo, jtubiolo@sjfc.edu
Experience
required
None. However, some previous American history or
anthropology coursework would be helpful.
Room and Board
arrangements
Students commute, or provide own transportation and
lodging as necessary. Students provide their own meals.
Academic credit
Number of credits: 3-6 credits possible
Offered by: St. John Fisher College
Tuition: Summer 2011; $700.00 per credit hour
Contact
information
Justin A. Tubiolo
jtubiolo@sjfc.edu
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