Fall Archaeology
Fall 2025 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
Mondays
September 29 – November 3
6-8:30 p.m.
CRN# 91140
CFP 126-71
Fee: $95
Online course
Students will study the material remains and belief systems of past subcultures and counter cultures that were hidden from the secular world of past societies. Topics include recent investigations of vampire burials, voodoo shamanism, witchcraft, divination, and secret society symbolism. This course will include lectures, videos, and a guest presentation. Register for Archaeology of the Occult and Non-Western Culture.
Gravestone Cleaning
Saturday
October 4
10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
CRN# 90496
CFP 123-01
Fee: $35
This course will be taught at Vale Cemetery, located at 907 State St., Nott Terrace, Schenectady, New York 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! Metal in Historical Archaeology
Tuesdays
October 7-28
6-8 p.m.
CRN# 91159
CFP 088-51
Fee: $75
Instructor: Martin Pickands
This hands-on workshop will introduce students to metal artifacts commonly found on historic archaeological sites in America. Students will learn their significance for dating and how they can enhance archaeological interpretation. Register for Metal in Historical Archaeology
Introduction to Industrial Archaeology - Online course
Wednesdays
October 22-November 19
6-8 p.m.
CRN# 91212
CFP 238-71
fee: $79
With the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825, industries along the Canal became important economic drivers. Industrial archaeology studies the material culture of these and other historic industrial sites. This online course introduces students to this field of archaeology through lectures and class discussions. We will cover case studies, methods of investigation, interpretation of industrial sites, and strategies for historic preservation. We will discuss how archaeological skills such as surveying, remote sensing, and researching historic documents are used in industrial archaeology. Students will also be taking excursions for data collection and first-hand observations (locations will be flexible for students who are not in the Schenectady area). Register for Intro to Industrial Archaeology