Fall Archaeology

Fall 2026 Community Education Archaeology Courses

Learn more about the Community Archaeology Program.

Archaeological Research

September 1 – December 31
By Appointment
CRN# 90492  
CFP 100-51  
Fee: $35

For Community Archaeology Program (CAP) certificate students only. This course is mandatory for students fulfilling the 60 experience hours required for the SUNY Schenectady Community Archaeology Program (CAP) certificate. Additionally, this course is required for all students engaged in archaeological research and laboratory under a SUNY Schenectady CAP instructor’s supervision. Students must speak with an instructor before registering. Register for Archaeological Research.

Archaeology of the Occult and Non-Western Culture - Online Course

Wednesdays
September 30 – November 4
6-8:30 p.m.
CRN# 91128
CFP 126-71
Fee: $125

This introductory class will take a closer look at the material remains and belief systems of past subcultures and counter cultures that were hidden from the profane secular world of past societies.  The course will also explore past investigations of vampire burials, voodoo, shamanism, witchcraft, divination, secret society symbolism, holy relics and much more.  This course will include lectures, videos, and a guest presentation. Register for Archaeology of the Occult.

Ceramics in Archaeology – The Colonial Period

Thursdays
September 17 – October 29
6-8 p.m.
CRN# 91276
CFP 193-51
Fee: $95

Ceramics in historical archaeology cover a long period from the 1600’s through the modern era. This course will focus on ceramics from the Colonial Period (1614-1777) in the Northeastern American colonies. In this period, most ceramics used in the colonies were imported. Each class will consist of an introductory discussion about a particular type of ceramic. The class will look at its manufacture, trade and use. The discussion will be followed by a laboratory practicum where students will focus on identifying, describing, and dating the ceramic type using artifacts from a Community Archaeology Program site in Schenectady’s Stockade Historic District. Register for Ceramics in Archaeology.

Gravestone Cleaning

Saturday
October 3
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
CRN# 90496
CFP 123-01
Fee: $35

This course will be taught at Vale Cemetery, located at 907 State St., Schenectady, NY 12307.

Would you like to learn how to clean cemetery stones? Do you have a family plot with a stone that needs cleaning? Are you having a difficult time reading the worn lettering on a stone? Melody Howarth will show you cleaning and reading methods that work. Join Ms. Howarth at Vale Cemetery for this informative workshop. Students will be contacted prior to the class with meeting instructions. Students are asked to bring gloves, bottled water, and a bagged lunch. Materials fee: $10 to be paid to the instructor. Register for Gravestone Cleaning.

NEW! Photogrammetry for Archaeology - Online Course

Mondays
October 12 – November 16
6-8:30 p.m.
CRN# 91285
CFP 269-71
Fee: $125

Photogrammetry is a powerful tool for use in a variety of archaeological contexts. Through careful planning to collect images with a high degree of overlap and the utilization of structure-from-motion photogrammetry (SfM) software, users can create highly detailed 3D models of objects and areas. Photogrammetry is useful for cultural heritage work and archaeological practice because it provides an accurate digital twin of the scanned subject. 3D models are a low-cost option for digital preservation, allowing people to study scans remotely and facilitating future analysis of archaeological areas that become disturbed. A field class will be arranged for the second to last class. No prior experience in photogrammetry or special equipment is required for this course, which speaks to the accessibility of this technology. Register for Photogrammetry for Archaeology.

NEW! Archaeological Artifact Identification Workshop

Saturday
October 17
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
CRN# 90975
CFP 184-01
Fee: $60

Are you interested in learning more about the variety of artifacts that archaeologists can uncover in the Northeast? Join us in the SUNY Schenectady Archaeology Lab on International Archaeology Day (October 17) for an exciting opportunity to learn more about artifact identification and analysis. Explore several different types of artifact categories that include Native American pre-contact stone tools and pottery, historic/pistols-contact ceramics, glass. and metal artifacts. Students will learn practical techniques and artifact identification skills used for archaeological fieldwork and cultural resource management. Light refreshments will be provided in the morning. Registered participants are encouraged to bring a lunch and water. Register for Archaeological Artifact Identification Workshop.

Metal in Historical Archaeology

Tuesdays
October 27 – November 17
6-8 p.m.
CRN# 91147
CFP 087-51
Fee: $65

Students in this workshop will be introduced to the identification and interpretation of metal artifacts likely to be encountered during the archaeological study of historic sites in North America through hands-on examples, PowerPoint presentations and suggested readings. Topics include the types of metals commonly encountered and the common classes of behavior which metal artifacts represent, as well as treat these classes of behavior and the artifacts that commonly represent them. Register for Metal in Historical Archaeology.