Thanks to all the wonderful helpers and volunteers who participated throughout the season. The archaeological explorations were conducted at the Haun's Mill Site in Caldwell County.
Attention, LDS, Restorationist, and Community of Christ youth groups, large families, Scouts, or other local youth programs! For the 2005 season we are looking for groups of 20 or more who can come dig for a day, several days, up to a week! Contact us to reserve a time next summer for your particular program before the available time slots are all taken. Please e-mail Michael Riggs at farwest@cameron.net to confirmation your date as soon as possible! Participants must be Junior High aged students and up. Families that can provide supervision of younger children and would like to be involved should also consult us for opportunities to dig as well.
Before attending, please double check this web page to make sure an emergency cancellation has not been issued.
Dig Seasons have two phases. Early in the season, five intensive week long dig day camps will be held, early June - early August. Later in the season, we will recommence our traditional Fall Sunday afternoon digs running through October 2004.
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 I was able to participate in the first week-long dig. Then 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,
A Strategic Planning Meeting was held at the Community of Christ Temple in Independence, on Saturday, 10 January 2004. The findings of the 2003 season were reviewed and plans were developed for the 2004 season's work at Haun's Mill. The minutes of that meeting can be found at: http://www.farwesthistory.com/arch3.htm.
In addition to the continuing support of the Mormon Historic Sites Foundation (MHSF), FWCC was excited to announce three new sponsors for the 2004 digs at Haun's Mill. Restoration Trail Foundation (RTF) contributed $500, Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation (MMFF) $400 and the John Whitmer Historical Association $300, all towards scholarships to defray tuition costs of participants. If your organization would like to become a sponsor for the 2005 season, please contact Michael Riggs at farwest@cameron.net
