Some of America’s most significant historic archaeological sites are located in Massachusetts and some of the earliest and most influential archaeologists investigated sites in the Commonwealth. Join archaeologist Holly Herbster for an overview of Massachusetts’ post-1600 archaeological heritage, its role in the development of historical archaeology, and the ways in which current research and collaboration […]
"Hockomock” in Algonquin means “land where spirits dwell” and is a revered Wampanoag sacred site, and later a “Devil’s Swamp” for English settlers. Join Dan Boudillion and Bettina Abe for a 2-mile hike at Hockomock Swamp, a Massachusetts Wildlife Management Area in Raynham, Mass. There is much lore surrounding the history of Hockomock Swamp, beginning […]
The book Path of Souls: the Native American Death Journey gives evidence of shamanic soul travel to the Milky Way in mound cultures. Are there traces of such structures and travel in Nashobah? Yes. Nashobah historian, Dan Boudillion, will explore local structures that mirror the arrangements identified by Gregory Little in the book and which […]
Nashoba Praying Indian Grand Chief Quiet Storm will talk about how we as a community can be good stewards of the land in all spaces. She will also highlight how we can better support the pollinators and biodiversity that we rely on to sustain our life on Mother Earth. In person only at Acton Memorial […]
Assist with trail and site maintenance on the Nashoba Brook Conservation Land’s Trail Through Time, a multicultural heritage trail in North Acton. The focus of this annual effort this year will be on trail and site maintenance. Local Scout troops are also invited to join. There will be an optional brunch beforehand at 11:30 AM. […]
Join a group discussion of the groundbreaking work Manitou: The Sacred Landscape of New England’s Native Civilization. This book is now a classic in the archaeology of our region. Several decades ago, one of the authors, Boxborough resident Byron Dix, discovered the first of many areas in New England believed to be ancient Native American […]
The Boxborough Esker Walk in memory of George Krusen is sponsored by both the Boxborough Conservation Trust (BCTrust) and the Friends of Pinehawk. The landscape of Boxborough was sculpted over millions of years, but some of the most dramatic features formed “only” about 15,000 years ago. The Beaver Brook Valley Preserve protects a beautiful example […]
Join local archaeologist Kimberley Connors and Town of Acton Conservation Staff Ian Bergemann on a guided walk along the Assabet River Blue & Green Trail focusing on why people have lived here for over 7,000 years and the wildlife that call this place home. This path is adjacent to the Pink Hawk site which is the oldest […]
Who were the Indians who lived in the Acton area before the English arrived? It is widely understood that this band, led by their sachem Tahattawan, transferred Musketaquid/Concord to the English in the 1630s, adopted Christianity, settled down nearby at Nashobah/Littleton, endured rough handling during King Philip’s War in the 1670s, and then merged into […]
Prof. Curtiss Hoffman has investigated the thousands of enigmatic stone monuments scattered throughout the woodlands and fields of the eastern United States and Canada. Regional descendant Indigenous communities identify these structures as "stone prayers"—sacred sites that deserve protection. Hoffman documents archaeological and environmental evidence supporting the Indigenous origin of many of these monuments.
Peppercorn Hill was once marked as an "Indian Establishment" on a map from the 1800s. There are many stone groupings and other features to explore in the landscape. The walk will be led by Cathy Taylor who for over 25 years has been studying ceremonial earth and stone sites identified by Tribal Historic Preservation Officers. […]
From almost 13,000 years ago, to today, New England’s Native Americans have participated in many social networks throughout the continent. Robert Goodby, an archaeologist and Professor of Anthropology at Franklin Pierce University, will present evidence for long-distance connections among Native communities over time - technological traditions, religious practices, raw materials, and economic strategies, some of […]