Archaeology project planned for battlefield
STILLWATER, N.Y. >> Veterans who fought in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan will join forces next spring for an archaeological project where the Second Battle of Saratoga was fought on Oct. 7, 1777.
Veterans will conduct an artifact survey at Barber Wheatfield, one of the most significant sites within Saratoga National Historical Park.
However, officials said an equally important goal of the project is helping veterans develop skills they can use elsewhere in new careers.
Officials said work will be done in two phases –a metal detector survey and limited excavation, followed by artifact cataloging and documentation.
“This project will give us a better understanding of the battle and events that unfolded at Saratoga,” said Amy Bracewall, historical park superintendent. “Connecting modern veterans to this sacred battlefield and getting their help with this archeological study brings our nation’s history full circle and emphasizes the importance of this project.”
The effort is partially funded by a grant from the American Battlefield Trust, which is partnering with the historical park and the group American Veterans Archaeological Recovery, whose mission is helping veterans find a new sense of purpose and learn vocational skills.
Since its inception, AVAR has put more than 60 veterans on excavations in the U.S. United Kingdom and Israel, with funding from a National Geographic education grant.
AVAR projects build a community for participants and help bridge the divide between military service and civilian life by giving veterans high-level training and a sense of belonging.
Archaeology projects such as the Saratoga survey let veterans see how their contributions make a difference to a mission that matters. Results of this work may give better insight into events that shaped world history.
“We have a unique opportunity to recognize today’s veterans while discovering the lost secrets of those who fought and fell at Saratoga,” said Jim Lighthizer, Battlefield Trust president. Donations to support the project may be made at www. american veterans archaeology. org.