Caribbean - Netherlands Antilles - Caribbean Colonial Archaeology on St. Eustatius--The Historical Gem

Each year we run sessions from January to August. Prospective volunteers should check our calendar at http://www.secar.org/Current_Events.html

St. Eustatius Center for Archaeological Research
Rosemary Lane
St. Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles
CARIBBEAN EUX

We are primarily associated with Leiden University, but have had volunteers from Universities from around the world.

Numerous colleges have provided independent study or full fieldschool credits for their students--email us for a list.

Please see: http://www.secar.org/Arch_Opportunities.html

See above

Low cost dormitory style housing is available (bunk beds, self catering etc). Hotel accommodation across a spectrum of comfort levels may also be found on the island. There are also several bed-and-breakfast type accommodations. Transportation to and from sites will be provided.
Taking advantage SCUBA and snorkeling opportunities is also encouraged.

St. Eustatius (or Statia) was the primary trans-shipment center in the Atlantic World between 1760 and 1800- Capitalism started here. During the American Revolution, Holland and France supplied US forces with much needed arms and ammunition through this port. Finally, the existence of the United States was first recognized by a foreign power here in November 1776 when a salute was fired to the USS Andrew Doria.

Although the island is only 7 km by 5 km (5 miles by 2 miles), there are over 90 documented plantation sites, 400 warehouse ruins, six church sites, numerous urban domestic and commercial structures (houses, taverns, brothels, stores, printing presses, etc), 20+ fortifications, and an estimated 200+ shipwrecks located on and around the island. As a result, the island is considered to have the densest concentration of colonial period artifacts and sites for any location of comparable size anywhere in the world. Also, pre-historic sites are some of the best preserved in the Caribbean. A wide range of archaeological projects have been undertaken since 1979 by the College of William and Mary (USA), Leiden University (The Netherlands), and the Institute of Archaeology, University College London (UK). The St. Eustatius Center for Archaeological Research (SECAR) has been established on the island as a permanent research facility designed to permit a continuous excavation program during much of the year. Many US and UK universities allow academic credit to be earned through participation in SECAR projects.

We are currently working on the possible site of Free Black Village just on the outskirts of Oranjestad. Recent projects have included discovery of a colonial Jewish Ceremonial Bath or Mikveh at Synagogue Honen Dalim (one of the oldest in the New World) and a Pottery Production site on Oranje Bay, and the first paleopathological study of a leper asylum anywhere in the New World. In 2010 we will likely be working at the Cantor's house near Synagogue Honen Dalim.

As true as it can be.

Colonial/Historical Period

Not quite country club but pretty damn close--you will get dirty, sweaty, and bloody. However, you can just rinse in the cool Caribbean!

Walking or by our Land Rover or Land Cruiser (yes we have both)

9 months from January to August every year.

Dr. R. Gilmore with over 15 years and over 100 archaeology sites excavated around the world. Plus interns and guest instructors from around the world.

We provide opportunities to learn all dimensions of excavation and post-excavation. From using a trowel to surveying, fieldwalking, archaeological photography, drawing site plans and profiles, artefact cleaning and conservation. By excavating on St. Eustatius you not only learn about historical archaeology, but also about the political, social and economic dimensions of conducting archaeology in a Caribbean society. As a final note, excavation on Statia is not all hard work, participants are encouraged to take advantage of some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving sites in the Caribbean, go kayaking, relax on the beach, and explore the National Parks (see www.statiapark.org) such as the rain forest in the Quill volcano. We recommend Dive Statia (www.divestatia.com). Diving is great throughout the year. We also encourage you to enjoy the local culture, cuisine, and music that is part of the low-key friendly nightlife on Statia. For more information on St. Eustatius please visit the Statia Tourism website at www.statiatourism.com

Yes

Yes, hiking and assistance with visits to nearby islands.

No

No

www.statiatourism.org, www.statiahistory.org

R. Grant Gilmore III, PhD RPA IFA, Director
St. Eustatius Center for Archaeological Research
Rosemary Lane
St. Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles
CARIBBEAN EUX