THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS!

What an amazing group of volunteers we had for our August 29 and 30 dig. You took volunteerism to a whole new level. We survived the weekend with heavy rain,  mud, mosquitoes and lots of hard work.  But wait; there's more....they even said they would come back again in two weeks to close out the three plots we worked on all weekend. 

Under the expert guidance and direction of David Babson, we now are expert novices at plotting, digging, sifting, and documenting artifacts found on the Four Canals Historic site in Montezuma. As soon as available we will post details, photos and video of this amazing weekend.  

Thank you, thank you, volunteers. YOU ARE THE GREATEST!!! In spite of the challenging weather conditions, I'm thrilled with the teamwork and all that was accomplished. 

Noon Update

We're moving forward with the dig. Volunteers are at the site now. The site has been surveyed. Plans are to work until 5PM today and then resume on Sunday at 10AM. Call 315-406-6575 for more information.

UPDATE -- LATEST NEWS ON THE DIG TODAY!

MOTHER NATURE IS HAVING HER WAY WITH US THIS MORNING.

We've decided to wait until 11 AM today to make a decision about whether to start the dig at Noon today!  Check back after 11 AM for our decision.

Volunteers Needed

Plans are firming up for the Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30th Erie Canal site dig in Montezuma.  The site was cleared last week by the Cayuga County Sheriff's Inmate work program.  Thanks to the volunteers and donators who have help with preparations and provided all the necessary tools and supplies.  Volunteers Margaret Sullivan and Nancy Bates will be filming and photographing to document the event.

We plan on getting started at 10 AM at the site on Saturday.  Several volunteers are needed to help dig, sift and record the artifacts. Participants should dress accordingly for the elements in a wooded area.  If you plan on participating with the dig, please bring a masonry shovel (flat-ended).

There's a walking trail into the site and it will be necessary to cross a small walking bridge and climb steps that crosses Clinton's Ditch to the digging site. The site is located off a trail starting on Chapman Road in the Town of Montezuma.  Directions to the site are as follows: 

Coming from Routes 38 or 31 in Port Byron, take Route 31 West to Montezuma. Take your first left on High Street past the intersection of Routes 31 and 90,  Turn at the first right to Chapman Road past the Montezuma Town Highway Barn to the parking area on the right to enter the walking trail into the site.

Coming from South on Route 90 to Montezuma take left past post office onto Main Street; turn right onto High Street; take first left onto Chapman Road past the Montezuma Town Highway Barn to the parking area on the right to enter the walking trail into the site.

Coming from the East on Route 31 to Montezuma, turn right just past the Seneca River Bridge;  turn at the first right to Chapman Road past the Montezuma Town Highway Barn to the parking area on the right to enter the walking trail into the site.

If you need further directions, please call (315) 406-6575 or (315) 406-6572.

The dig will be lead by David Babson, Archaeologist. Canal Historian Mike Riley will be there to share the history of the Erie Canal era and how the site was used by the lock tenders and lighteners for the original ditch. 

Hope to see you there!