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Welcome to your free bi-weekly newsletter from Connecticut Explored with the latest stories, the newest Grating the Nutmeg podcast, programs and exhibitions from our partners to see/watch this month, and more!
Ground Penetrating Radar Applications to Connecticut Archaeology: Excavation in the Digital Age
Archaeologist David Leslie gives a detailed look at innovations that are changing the game for archaeologists. Using the science of geophysics, researchers can learn more about a site’s subsurface without the need to disturb the surface. The most widely used application of geophysics is ground penetrating radar (GPR). The term might sound familiar, but what does it actually mean?
Leslie explains,
GPR machines emit a pulse of electromagnetic energy into the ground via an antenna. The energy is either reflected, amplified, or absorbed by the material it is transmitted through. A computer integrated into the antenna records the strength of the signal emitted and reflected, as well as the time (in nanoseconds) required for the reflection and return of the signal. Variations in subsurface materials, such as stratigraphic layers of soils, archaeological features, or geologic layers (think bedrock), are examples of reflective layers or boundaries generally identified via GPR surveys.
Leslie illustrates this application through the series of diagrams above, produced at a historic cemetery. The tool resembling a lawn mower is the GPR machine. The diagram on the right shows 31 intact coffins, visible as highly reflective rectangular shapes in orderly rows, at about 3 feet below the ground surface. Only 13 of these graves were marked by headstones!
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Site Lines: Meet ConnCRIS
Jenny Scofield of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) introduces the Connecticut Cultural Resource Information System. This new interactive map of the state’s historical properties and archaeological sites is opening new doors for researchers and providing insights into patterns of historic development. Scofield writes, “A slider bar allows viewers to toggle between present-day aerial maps and 1934 images to see how the landscape has changed over time.” The database is also searchable, and information can be filtered by style, date, and historical use.
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Explore!
SHPO invites you to explore ConnCRIS. Their user guide and how-to videos will help you get acquainted.
The Latest From Grating the Nutmeg
The Borinqueneers: Puerto Rico’s Men of the 65th Regiment
In this episode, we celebrate and commemorate National Borinqueneers Day (April 13th). It recognizes the bravery, service, and sacrifice of the 65th Infantry Regiment, a United States Army unit that consisted mostly of soldiers from Puerto Rico and the only segregated Latino unit in the United States Army.
But the honor and fidelity of the men of the 65th came into question in 1952 during the Korean War when 91 regiment members were arrested and tried for desertion and disobeying orders. How could this happen to such a distinguished and decorated unit of the Army?
The guest for this episode is accomplished Connecticut author of young adult literature, Talia Aikens-Nunez. In her book, Men of the 65th, The Borinqueneers of the Korean War, she guides us through the history of the 65th from its beginning in 1899.
Listen: The Borinqueneers: Puerto Rico’s Men of the 65th Regiment
Sponsored Post
Learn More About Litchfield Historical Society’s New Exhibition
Programs and Exhibitions to Enjoy This Month
Stowe Community Day
Saturday, April 20 | 12:00 - 7:00 PM (All Day!) | Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, Hartford
The Stowe Center invites you to celebrate nature, gardens, and the Spring season with their new Garden of Literacy day! They will welcome all community members and visitors for a family friendly day of giveaways, literary workshops, a children's reading circle and specialty children's tour "Inheriting Freedom", and closing with an Open Mic.
Click here for the full schedule of events
Live From the Boathouse
April 25 | 6:00 PM | Connecticut River Museum, Essex
Who is Joseph Webb? You may know him as the host at his Wethersfield home of the conference between George Washington and the French military commander Rochambeau in 1781 during the American Revolutionary War. However, his role in the American Revolution was far more active than is commonly recognized. From facilitating prisoner exchanges to outfitting privateers that preyed on British shipping in Long Island Sound, Webb was actively engaged in the war effort.
Join author and curator Nancy Finlay for a deep dive into Connecticut River history and discover the role of privateers in the forging of an American identity. Light refreshments will be provided.
Cost: Members: FREE; Non-Members: $5.00
Register here for Live From the Boathouse
Battle of Ridgefield Anniversary
Saturday, April 27 | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM| Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center, Ridgefield
To commemorate the 247th anniversary of the Battle of Ridgefield, KTM&HC is offering free site admission. Take their "War at Home" tour to learn about the experiences of the residents of their site during the Battle, Connecticut’s only inland Revolutionary War battle.
Register here for “War at Home” Tour" FREE. Registration is strongly recommended.
Visitors can also take a Battle of Ridgefield walking tour. The hour-long tours begin in front of Casagmo Condominium Association on Main Street at 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12 p.m. They trace the path of the Battle along Main Street and culminates with a presentation at KTM&HC, at the British cannonball embedded in the museum's corner post.
Register here for Battle of Ridgefield Walking Tour Cost: $20
Editor’s Picks
Want to explore the topics featured in this edition of the e-Newsletter? Check out these stories from the archives.
On the eve of his retirement, Connecticut Explored invited Nick Bellantoni to reflect on his long tenure as state archaeologist.
“State Archaeologist on 30 Years of Great Finds,” Connecticut Explored, Summer 2014.
“Rediscovering Albert Afraid-of-Hawk,” Connecticut Explored, Summer 2014"
“Site Lines: Monument to Connecticut’s Borinqueneers,” Connecticut Explored, Fall 2020.
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