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Volunteers sifting through earth in an archaeologial dig in Depot Square. -
Archaeologist Robert Goodby of Franklin Pierce University starts digging a test pit in downtown Peterborough. -
Robert Goodby displays the quartz flake, which indicates the historic presence of Abenaki people, discovered in Depot Square.
Volunteers found debris from Abenaki activity during a workshop with archaeologist, Franklin Pierce University professor and author Robert Goodby at Depot Square in Peterborough June 21.
Goodby has visited Depot Square many times, and is convinced that Native Americans spent time in the specific area. On Saturday, in collaboration with the Harris Center for Conservation Education and The Monadnock Center for History and Culture, Goodby led a workshop focused on the stages of an archeological excavation. Over 14 volunteers took part in digging and screening a town=authorized test site.
Goodby talked about how changes in land use and loss of habitat can make recovery of archaeological artifacts difficult. Depot Square was impacted by the railroad coming through in the 1800s, and more recently by the creation of a parking lot and assorted buildings. Among the rocks and pieces of macadam and coal, the screening resulted in the discovery of several stone flakes, which are debris from Abenaki activity with sharpening tools and proof that the Abenakis had been on the site thousands of years ago.
At the end of the workshop, volunteers had an opportunity to go to the Monadnock Center to see finds from other archaeological digs in the area.
— Submitted by Harriet DiCicco