Fort St. Joseph Museum's Archaeology Open House: A Journey Through Time

Photo bywndu

Niles, Mich. — History came alive this weekend at the Fort St. Joseph Museum, where the annual Archaeology Open House offered a unique glimpse into the past. Nestled along the scenic banks of the St. Joseph River, the event provided visitors with an immersive experience of historical excavation and living history reenactments.

The open house showcased the ongoing archaeological work at the historic Fort St. Joseph site, believed to have been established in the 1690s by French explorers. Attendees had the rare opportunity to observe archaeologists at work, unearthing artifacts that tell the story of the fort's storied past.

Adding to the event's charm, living history reenactors brought the fort's era to life, offering interactive demonstrations that transported visitors back to the days when the fort was active.

Students from Western Michigan University, who have been participating in the excavation, shared their excitement and insights. Naomi Washington, a student at the field school, expressed her enthusiasm: “This site is really unique, especially because it is right on the water. We’ve done a lot of mud tracking and discovered numerous artifacts in just a few weeks.”

This engaging event not only highlights the rich history of Fort St. Joseph but also underscores the importance of preserving and understanding our cultural heritage.