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Pat Arbuckle Chronicle Staff Books can tell the story but the Dundee Experiense br9gsystory ttlife. . Located on the Coleman Site, approximately two miles northwest of New Dundee, the project offers visitors an opportunity to discover the area's heritage by participating in the exeava- tion of a 500year-old Iroquois village. "We're trying to promote public involvement and interest in archeological research and in studying heritage resources in particular. The programs offered allow people to participate in a one-day or half-day experience designed to get them involved in archeological research at a hands-on level," explained Rob MacDonald, program director and one of four archeology students hired to administer and promote The Dundee Experience. Digging up history educational and fun experience The majority of funding for the program is provided by the Foundation for Public Archeo logy, a charitable. educational foundation es- tablished to develop and promote public archeo- logy programs throughout Ontario. This is supplemented by a Summer Canada grant. In its one year of operation, the program has proven particularly appealing to school groups studying the history of Ontario although any group larger than 10 people can be accom- modated, said MacDonald. The day begins with a slide presentation which serves as an introduction to Ontario prehistory and an orientation to excavation methods used. Then the amateur archeologists take to the field, literally. for the Coleman site is located in a farmer's field near New Dundee. "We take them out to the site and under the supervision of staff, they are instructed in a number of excavation techniques and have the opportunity to participate in excavation aetivi- ties for approximately two hours," MacDonald said. Add up a RABBIT It totals great value at C - . t d - ef,'l"dl',' dgivgya Rabbit: 19am on manuhauev ' suggested maul D!" to: a 'lattttet 2-day - cm: 5 spud mama! trattsrnts_ Owl-om Mom are new Wren mu Dam may mm In 'r99S Volkswagen quality and dylptiriigt Low fuel consumption CIS Eierr-ihhTtr.iil engine (runs on regular gas) Meets 6-:rpat/)ItidlpIpoip Code 4-wheel independent suspension Frontrwheel drive Hatchback convenience Dependable German engineering Dundee Experience SSO WEBER ST. M. WATERLOO AUTO HAUS WATERLOO An‘l Care Irrprtimg' SYWQ Awatd Winner Later, at the project's research facility in New Dundee, program participants learn more about archeological methodology through a series of seminars and workshops. Research methods used on the Coleman site provide insight into both the theories and methods of archeology. "By trying to replicate artifacts. we can learn how they were actually nyyie" he explained. After examining artifacts discovered on the site, workshops in experimental archeology allow visitors to actually create their own ceramic pottery from clay using Iroquoian techniques or make chip-stone tools from mm in experimental archeology workshops. "uciGi'raiG MacDonald, a number of former Indian villages and campsites are scattered around the area surrounding Kitchener-Water- loo. "HJitimateiy, we hope to excavate a large number of these so we can come to understand the kind of Iroquois people who lived there," he said. For now, however, MacDonald and his group are concentrating on the five-acre Coleman site. Already, the archeologists have uncovered the remnants of a longhouse which at 123 metres in length, is the largest yet discovered in North -- .. . . A __-_-s-u “a..." .- _--- __-u-r,, .. America. A second is currently being excavated which, MacDonald said, could be even longer. Other artifacts unearthed include stone, bone and ceramic tools. pipes, beads and pottery. The artifacts are stored at the research facility in New Dundee and many are used in the program. Eventually, most will be put on public display. possibly at Doon Pioneer Village. MacDonald said. Group programs are available seven days a week from May until October for anyone 12 years or older. The registration fee is $10 per person. For more information, call Rob Mac- bonald at696-2822. (1Eil1iiiiE 884-7470 Students from Laurentian Public School (left to right) Nick Luff, Darren Lichty and Paul Cormier, assisted by staff member Lia Alder (second from left), screen shovelfuls of earth in search of artifacts. The students were taking part in excavations at the Coleman site near New Dundee. m mun photo delerz flriyF 83mg -----"M' Care About You"---'- 19 King St. North, Uptown! Wdtertoo T (opposne Waterloo lhoaue) - 886- PMA) Open Monday-Friday 9:306:30 - Saturday 9:30-5 p.m. see our collection today! 'hir'"" sisss 's,