Archaeology Workshop

An archaeological survey of the Poor Farm Barn site on May 3 – 4, 2019 involved students from Glen Lake High School, in partnership with the Michigan Archaeology Society (MAS) . This reconnaissance survey workshop was led by MAS president, David Cusack, and his wife, professional archaeologist, Stacy Tchorzynski. They brought nine archaeologists from around Michigan to mentor twelve Glen Lake School students in hands-on surveying, excavating and digital mapping techniques. Area farmers who assisted during the farm’s operation also helped to identify locations of the now-demolished out-buildings. Three building sites were located: corner stone foundation of a small building, water cistern for the barn, and hog barn. Artifacts found included charcoal, porcelain shards, nails, leather, chains, fencing and bones from butchered livestock.

Groundwork was laid during the event for the establishment of a local Traverse chapter of the MAS. The objects uncovered at the farm were displayed at MAS’s 2019 Archaeology Day at Michigan History Center in Lansing on October 19, 2019. Barbara Siepker was present and noted the children especially liked the large animal bones dug up at the slaughterhouse site. A second workshop at the Poor Farm Barn, scheduled for early May 2020, was postponed due to Covid-19 precautions. [A- photos from Lansing] [B-24]