DR. JAMES STILL HISTORIC OFFICE SITE AND EDUCATION CENTER
In 2016, the Dr. James Still Historic Office Site and Education Site received a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission to begin an archaeological study of the Dr. Still's home. Dr. Still's home was torn down sometime around 1932. The archaeological study was named the Dr. James Still Community Archaeology Project and was managed by Marc Lorenc, R.P. A the Project Director. Mr. Lorenc is a PhD candidate at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Mr. Lorenc believed community outreach was very important in order to make the project a success. So before beginning the actual field school, he held several community discussions. The discussions focused on introducing archaeological theory and method, and how it is applicable to historical sites. A geophysical survey under the expertise of Dr. Tim Horsley was conducted. The survey consisted of collecting ground penetrating radar, soil resistivity, and magnetometry data. The collection of data was open to the public with numerous visitors dropping by and asking questions about the process.
The archaeological field schools during the summers of 2016 and 2017 excavated several artifacts with the help of a number of professional archaeologists and volunteers. The project was able to garner a diverse community ranging in age, gender, class, and race. In addition, the project garnered the attention of people outside of Medford, NJ creating an opportunity for those in New Jersey to gain experience at the site.
In 2018, Mr. Lorenc finished cleaning, documenting and cataloging all the discovered artifacts at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. In 2019, after conducting in-depth data analysis of the artifacts and community interviews he successfully defended his dissertation, passing all requirements for his doctorate. Dr. Lorenc looks forward to phase 2 of the project, which will further build on community heritage via a digital push (3d scanning/printing of artifacts, 3d rendering of the Still house, and a community oral history project), in addition to continuing excavations in the summer of 2021 (funding permitted). We are looking for donations and/or grant opportunities to help fund these efforts. Please reach out to us if you would like to help.
To see more about the Dr. James Still Community Archaeology Project, please click the link below. Any questions concerning the project should be directed to marclorenc@gmail.com.
1st & 3rd Sundays
each MONTH
11;30 am - 4:00 pm
