2004 ARCHAEOLOGY CAMPS and Sunday Explorations
UPDATES by Archaeologist Paul DeBarthe
Archaeology Camp Offerings

Archaeological Dig Schedule and Fees  The Far West Cultural Center is pleased to announce an expanded schedule for the weeklong digs during the summer of 2004. Two additional weeks have been planned beyond what was accomplished in 2003 for a total of five weeks at the Haun’s Mill site. The dates for the weeklong digs are as follows:     June 7-11     June 14-18     June 21- 25     June 28- July 2     Aug. 9- 13     The Dig Season is comprised of two phases. Early in the season, several intensive week long dig day camps will be held. Later in the season, we will recommence our traditional Sunday digs running through the Fall season.     Note: the Sunday afternoon fall dig dates will be announced at a later date.     On Saturday, January 10, 2004 a Strategic Planning Meeting was held at the Community of Christ Temple in Independence to review the findings of the 2003 efforts and to discuss the up coming season’s work at Haun’s Mill. The minutes of that meeting can be found at: ttp://www.farwesthistory.com/arch3.htm.     In addition to the continuing support of the Mormon Historic Sites Foundation (MHSF), FWCC is excited to announce three new sponsors for the 2004 digs at Haun’s Mill. Restoration Trail Foundation (RTF) has pledged $500, Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation (MMFF) $400 and the John Whitmer Historical Association will contribute $300, all towards scholarships to defray tuition costs of participants on a first come, first serve basis. Watch for updates on how this program will be administered soon!     Also, one or two weeks will be spent at a new site sometime next season at the home site of early LDS member Stephen Winchester. This was the location where David W. Patton died following the Battle of Crooked River on October 25, 1838. Specific dates for this activity will be set in the near future. (See Daily Reports) Paul DeBarthe and Mike Riggs, last Dig Day of 2003 Season, 7 December 2003     A list of dates (subject to change) will be posted below as soon as planning for the 2004 Season is completed.   As many as fifteen archaeological team slots are anticipated for the 2004 Season. These slots may be filled by either Junior High aged students on through adults. Adult volunteers are also needed to assist staff archaeologist, Paul DeBarthe, with dig crew supervision.

Sunday Explorations at Haun's Mill, Fall 2004 Watch for a forthcoming announcement of Fall dig dates. Info about the Haun's Mill Historic Site Objectives: 1. To expand the investigation in the field to two additional squares of the checkerboard. 2. To open and explore one more squares relative to feature 1 (near the teardrop). 3. To expand the quest for Mormon period grade near the pool. And, if crew and weather cooperate, 4. To continue the tests south of Shoal Creek for residences and features. Come Join in the Exploration! Intensive week long digs will begin in June.(see daily reports). We continue our traditional Sunday digs next season throughout the Fall.    Before attending, please double check the website to make sure an emergency cancellation has not been issued.  We will again offer season passes for these digs at the rate of $20.00 per person.  We encourage you to attend as many days as possible to achieve the greatest value.  The digs will be held, unless otherwise posted, at the Haun's Mill Site in Caldwell County.  Activities start promptly at 2:00 PM and continue until 5:00 PM each workday.  Transportation, to and from the site, will be the responsibility of each person.   Please bring your own water to drink, gloves, insect repellant and sunscreen.  Necessary tools will be provided on site for your use.

Archaeology Camp Beginnings To Whom it May Concern:     I am Alta Short, President of Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation. The project at the Rich/Wallace cabin (house) has been of great interest to me personally.     Several years ago Mr. Michael Riggs took members of our organization on a field trip to sites in Caldwell County. While on the trip we found a log cabin/house in very poor shape with the roof caved in and we wondered about the history of this property. Mr. Riggs did extensive research on the property: who the original owners were and who owns it now. Then he obtained permission for our organization to have an Archaeological dig on the site.     The first year we had a weeklong dig that I was able to participate in. Then the digs were conducted on weekends during the spring and into the fall for three years. This has been a wonderful experience for many students and adults to be able to actually work on a dig and gain more knowledge about Missouri history. Mr. Riggs has purchased this property and is in need of funds and grants to be able to preserve this building and further the historical interest of this site.  Sincerely, Alta Short, MMFF President

View Archaeologist Resume- Paul DeBarthe
Copyrighted images provided courtesy of the Community of Christ Archives, Independence, Missouri, © 2002