Archaeology Workshop Brings the Past Alive

By Jeff Koslofsky

Monday, February 2, 2009

For a few hours on Saturday afternoon, people of all ages who came out to Claude Moore Park’s caretaker’s cottage stepped back in time at a hands-on archaeology workshop.

From old bottles and broken dishes to bird and fish skulls, about 170 visitors held and observed pieces of Loudoun history in their own two hands.

“The majority of the people in the county … are just simply not aware of the tremendous heritage of people that lived here,” said David Clark, director of the Loudoun Archaeological Foundation. “I just want them to leave with an appreciation for known or unknown heritage in their own backyard.”

During the workshop, Clark, also a professor at Northern Virginia Community College, displayed some of the historical artifacts he has collected. The artifacts dated from 10,000 B.C. to 1,600 A.D.

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Digging for Loudoun's Past

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At the archaeology workshop at Claude Moore Park on Jan. 31, there were many different kinds of skeletal bones, rocks and pottery on display. (Jeff Koslofsky)

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Jonathan Chan, 9, a member of the Ashburn 4-H Group, concentrates as he tries to match the pieces of pottery with their proper name. (Jeff Koslofsky)

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David Clark, a professor at the Loudoun campus of Northern Virginia Community College, gives a mini-lesson on his historical artifacts at the hands-on archaeology workshop on Jan. 31. He has studied archeology for more than 30 years. (Jeff Koslofsky)

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Bradley Kuhn, 3, searches for different artifacts hidden in the bin full of small rocks. (Jeff Koslofsky)

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Thuy Chan, top left, helps children clean off old artifacts with toothbrushes and water. (Jeff Koslofsky)

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At several stations, participants learned what it’s like to clean artifacts using an old toothbrush and water; searched through rock-filled bins where different pieces of pottery were hidden; and pieced together unique pottery and glassware.

The workshop was a big hit among the children who attended.

Bradley Kuhn, 3, was one of the youngest at the workshop. After curiously walking around the room for a while in his blue Washington Capitals outfit, he decided to put down his yellow Power Ranger toy and get his hands on Loudoun history.

Bradley’s favorite part was putting the old pieces of broken pottery back together. His mother, Tanya Kuhn, said she enjoyed watching her son because he was learning history at the same time that he was playing a game.

Thuy Chan, an Ashburn 4-H group member, also brought her children to the event.

“I think this is a great learning experience for them to be able to see the resources in our area,” Chan said.

Clark said he enjoys working in Loudoun County in particular because it has such prehistoric significance.

“We have this rich heritage in Loudoun and we need to protect it,” Clark added.

Tagged: Claude Moore Park, history

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