DCR Archaeology Month Programs

2025 programs free and open to the public

Join DCR’s Office of Cultural Resources and the First Peoples First Stewards Staff as we celebrate Archaeology Month with programming across the Commonwealth.  Engage in family friendly activities that explore Native presence on the landscape and learn about archaeological methods and practice.  Free and open to the public.

October

Saturday, October 4 (10am-2pm)     

Location: Houghton’s Pond

Program Description: Join DCR as we celebrate Archaeology Month. Learn about the cycle of the seasons from the Indigenous perspective. Come on a fall plant walk with DCR staff, enjoy storytelling with books by Indigenous authors, practice archaeological screening, and join in hands on activities. All ages welcome.  Free and open to the public.

Sunday, October 5 (10am-2pm)    

Location: Breakheart Reservation

Program Description: Join DCR as we celebrate Archaeology Month! Learn about Archaeological practice and the long history of human occupation and land use within Breakheart Reservation.  Learn about the significance of deer in Native societies and join in hands on activities. All ages welcome.  Free and open to the public.

Friday, October 17 (12:00pm-1:00pm) 

Location: Fall River Heritage State Park

Program Description: Terrestrial and Marine Cultural Resource Management in the Commonwealth: Views from the Land/Water Interfaces
David Robinson, Director & Chief Archaeologist, Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources and Jonathan Patton, Staff Archaeologist, Office of Cultural Resources, Department of Conservation & Recreation
This one-hour presentation explores how archaeologists protect the cultural heritage of southeastern Massachusetts. 
We'll also learn about the importance of managing underwater archaeological resources. Recommended ages 15 and up.  Free lecture, question and answer period and open to the public. 

Saturday, October 18 (10am-3pm)    

Location: Great Falls Discovery Center

Program Description: Join DCR as we celebrate Archaeology Month! Learn about the cycle of the seasons from the Indigenous perspective, traditional fishing methods along the Kwenitekw (Connecticut) River, help to weave a net, practice archaeological screening, take a photo with a mishoon (dugout canoe) and more! All ages welcome. Free and open to the public. Co-sponsored by the Nolumbeka Project.

Saturday, October 25, (10am-2p m)   

Location: Blackstone River Greenway Visitor Center-Worcester

Program Description: Join DCR as we celebrate Archaeology Month! Learn about the cycle of the seasons from the Indigenous perspective, and traditional fishing methods along the Kitticuck (Blackstone) River, help to weave a net, practice archaeological screening, take a photo with a mishoon  (dugout canoe) and more! All ages welcome. Free and open to the public.
 

November

Sunday, November 2, (10am-2pm)

Location: Borderland State Park

Program Description: Join DCR as we celebrate Archaeology Month.  Learn about the cycle of the seasons from the Indigenous perspective.  Come on a walk of the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp at 1:15 with DCR staff and learn about its significance to the Indigenous communities, enjoy children’s books by Indigenous authors, practice archaeological screening, and engage in hands-on activities and more!  All ages welcome.  Free and open to the public. 

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