Archaeology Field School

The Site
Our field study is on a 28-acre farm in the Ligonier Valley, just 30 minutes from Pitt-Greensburg. This scenic upland locale has two Historic Period foundations dating to the 1780s. We have also found prehistoric artifacts from the Late Archaic Brewerton Phase (ca. 2980-1723 B.C.) and the Late Prehistoric Monongahela culture (ca. A.D. 1000-1600).

All photos © Steven N. Patricia 2008, All Rights Reserved.

Thru the Field Farm was a continuously working Pennsylvania farmstead from the American Colonial period (1780s) to post World War II (1950s). Our study is attempting to better document the life and times of rural Pennsylvania and corroborate local history from the physical evidence preserved on this historic property. From historical records and excavations of the farm's manor house (36WM915), our team documented that initial settlement of the property was circa 1780.

36WM939 is the southernmost historic foundation dicovered thus far at Thru the Field Farm. It lies mostly buried and protected along a rill which drains into nearby Two Mile Run. Some historic information relating to the farm suggests that the structure formerly on this site may have been a blacksmith's shop which, during the 1800s, would have served the local communities along Chestnut and Laurel ridges.

Last Year
In 2008, our fieldwork focused on exposing remaining portions of the foundation and conducting additional excavations. Efforts proved that at 36WM939 there are many artifacts and features preserved beneath the surface.

Among last year's discoveries were the northeast corner and south wall of the foundation, both of which contained a number of metal artifacts in undisturbed settings.

This Year
Plans for the summer of 2009 at 36WM939 include additional digging and mapping. We will further expose the site's buried foundation while searching for more artifacts and features.

Together with the dig's many artifacts, such information may allow our team to further determine the extent, age, and function of this well-preserved historic site.