October 31, 2019
The Ontario Archaeological Society (OAS)
held their very first annual International Archaeology Day celebration and
invited the public to come learn more about archaeological methods used to
promote sustainable archaeology and heritage protection. They opened the doors
of the Ashbridge Estate, a heritage place owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust,
and received people in the former living room. OAS set up a series of
educational stations where members of the public could approach and learn more
about archaeology in Ontario.
Several volunteers ran the four educational stations: a general overview of the
OAS and Ontario Archaeology; the role of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and
Sport (MTCS) in archaeology; sustainable methods in archaeological research;
and what you should do when you find an archaeological site. The MTCS educated
people on the licencing system i in Ontario, and the process you can go through
to get your Avocational Licence. There were three graduate students from the
University of Toronto and Western University presenting on how they use cutting
edge technology and experimental methods to investigate the past without
excavating new sites or using destructive analytical methods.
The OAS was glad to receive the interested and engaged members of the public
who took the time out of their Saturday to come learn more about archaeology in
Ontario, and they are excited to draw an even bigger crowd next year!
