What is CAP?

The Community Archaeology Program (CAP) is the public outreach program of the Public Archaeology Facility (PAF) at Binghamton University. Through CAP, members of the public can learn more about archaeology, from professional archaeologists working in the field.

"Public Archaeology" is emphasized by PAF. It's in our name! Each year, we offer a broad array of community outreach programs specifically designed for the public. Our most popular program is our Archaeology for the Public program. Every July, kids, teens, and adults can learn more about archaeology by doing archaeology, side by side with professionals.

PAF has an active role in the New York State's Archaeology Week, as well as routine talks at service clubs, schools, and other organizations on the results of our research. Exhibits and hands-on demonstrationshave been provided to community field day organizers, libraries, and municipal buildings. Currently, an eight-panel travelling exhibiton curated by PAF is available to regional schools and libraries.

PAF is also a resource for Southern Tier schools. Students make annual field trips to campus to participate in lab tours and hands-on activities with artifacts. We receive frequent invitations to speak at Career Days and Children-to Work-Days, and have prepared a colorful handout for these children's activities.

Due to the strong presence of PAF in the local community, there is great interest in visiting, participating in, and volunteering for archaeological investigations. In 1996, PAF founded the Community Archaeology Program (CAP) , which is directed by PAF staff and advanced graduate students. This project provides non- archaeologists (ages 18+) with supervised experience on a real archaeological excavation. Lectures and lab time supplement the field experience. Concurrently each summer, CAP provides a program for students, ages 10-17. Daily sessions include lessons about prehistoric cultures, historic archaeology, instruction on excavation techniques, practice excavations, hands-on activities with real artifacts, and participation in the excavations of a real site.

Due to the continued study of local prehistoric native cultures, outreach to the Native American community is of great importance to PAF. As part of the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), PAF staff and students have assisted Native American tribal representatives with protection of sacred areas, and have assisted with the ceremonial reburial of human remains inadvertently discovered during construction projects and excavations.

PAF is also an open community resource for information on new discoveries. Each year, staff and students respond to numerous calls from the public asking for assistance in the identification of artifacts found on their properties and elsewhere.