Vermont Archaeological Society

04/24/2026

Zoom in for this presentation. Register bit.ly/NHASregister

04/07/2026

Via Smithsonian Magazine: The gunboat ‘Philadelphia’ lasted one day in battle. It’s still telling us about the Revolution 250 years later.

03/29/2026

Don't miss Arthur Anderson at the NHAS Spring Meeting. We would love to see you in person but if not, join us via Zoom. Register bit.ly/NHASregister

03/21/2026

VAS members came out today to work on VT-RU-0023, a collection from Rutland County. Members are re-bagging Precontact and historic artifacts from the site.

03/17/2026

03/10/2026

The Jefferson Historical Society is creating a museum exhibit depicting the Israel River Complex of Paleoindian archaeological sites discovered and excavated in town during the late 1990s and early 2000s. These digs shed significant light on early inhabitants of our region, and Jefferson in particular. The committee consists of several JHS members as well as retired NH State Archeologist Dr. Richard (Dick) Boisvert and his wife, Deborah. Dick, as Deputy State Archeologist at the time, oversaw the Jefferson excavations while leading New Hampshire’s State Conservation and Rescue Archeology Program, or SCRAP. This led to important discoveries and understanding of the Paleoindian peoples who inhabited this area 11,000-12,000 years ago.

We are planning to have 3-D casts of important lithics produced for display. We will also work with our graphic designer to create interpretive materials including high-quality maps and photos, explaining what attracted nomadic peoples to the area 12,000 years ago, as well as the importance of the rhyolite, caribou, geography, and climate of our area. Currently, we are in the process of writing a grant application to the New Hampshire Archeological Society for financial assistance on this project. Part of the grant process includes the submission of letters of support from community members and those interested in preserving and telling the story of this important part of Jefferson’s history, and those that were here 12,000 years before us.

As with all grants, application time is limited, and this one needs to be submitted this month. Your letters should state to the New Hampshire Archeological Society the importance of telling this incredible story of Jefferson’s earliest inhabitants. Also, a word about the Jefferson Historical Society’s commitment to preserving and sharing our history would be great. Please send your letter to committee member Nancy Decourcey at 1403 Presidential Highway, Jefferson, NH 03583 or e-mail her at [email protected]. Nancy’s cell is 603-586-7729 if you have any questions for her. This grant application will be submitted in March, so time is short. Thank you!

Joe Marshall-President
Jefferson Historical Society

P.S. Just a couple paragraphs will do!!

For more information on these digs, please use the following links:

https://www.nhmagazine.com/archaeology-in-new-hampshire/

For a detailed examination of Paleo archeology in Northern New Hampshire, with significant reference to the Jefferson sites:

https://www.erudit.org/en/journals/gpq/1999-v53-n1-gpq152/004771ar.pdf

02/21/2026

The New Hampshire SCRAP Firld School dates are up!

And the dates are set. Apply now to reserve your space on the 2026 SCRAP Field School. See NHAS.org website for details

02/16/2026

VTSU students across disciplines are building their futures with hands-on learning in 3D printing.

02/14/2026

02/12/2026