Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-09-08
Maine Archaeological
Exploration Work

| y
Exploration Work
| There has been considerable pub
ncity given the expedition under my
! direction. Particularly is this true
of the newspapers in waterville,
where resides a commercial collect
or, who has opposed scientific re-
! search in Maine.
| A statement has been requested
! by some of the many friends who
are interested in proper expIora-
ton of the Indian remains so num-
erous in this great state
! Ten years has been assigned me
| for work in New England on be-
half of what is officially known as
the Archaeological Survey of New
England" Already we have spent
eight or nine summers in research
work in this state. In the ensuing ten
years we hope to cover all of New
England and to have cooperation
on the part of scientific and histori-
cal societies.
We have given to Maine institu-
tions 100 specimens the past winter
and previously about ITO. We
/ transferred the Harris Falls red
paint cemetery finds to Mr.. Gannett,
last month. for the Fort Western mu-
scum he contemplates building. We
have offered to give the bulk of our
Oakland finds to the State, or to
some society possessing a fire proof
1 museum, at cost of field operations
So far, in all these years of explora-
ton, except in the case of Mr.. GAN
nett no institution. individual or
the State has contributed any money
expensive researches.
The problems in Maine are very
technical and require special train
ing to interpret or understand them
They cannot be solved by mere
accum ulation of relics" in a State
museum, as has been repeatedly
urged IN the Watcrville press.
In case the Legislature passes a
Dill next winter to prohibit the ex-
portatioh Of archaeological material
from this state, very heavy respon-
sibiiity will rest on those having
such work in charge.
Comparative studies between the
stone. bone, shell and clay artifacts
found here and elsewhere east of
inc hudson, are essential. The best
possible authority is necessary to
handle the most difficult archaeolog-
zeal situation in the United States.
People are being misled through
articles written by selfish persons.
who desire relics to SELF as to the
great principle involved. 1t is-shali
Maine have scientific work done in
the future, or shall it be pot hunt
ing?"
->lne years have been spent in the
harGcst kind of research work all
over the state. Trained observers
nave penetrated to the most distant
rointJ-a largo volume is in prepar-
"ton. In all these travels 7 have
met, or known of. only three men in
the entire state who have studied the
subject carefully and are able to
take up the work our survey is about
TO lay down. They are Walter Il
smith, Esq, DR.. j. II. Wilson and
i.rhest O. Jugdcn.
have proposed to Hon. n +
Dunnack. who has been acting. for
MS Lxceilency, the Governor, in this
matter to aid in any way, or act in
ADVISORY capacity, when the Staff
pcglns field operations 1t would he
more than northumberland !,
caiamity-if some commercial COL
iector-is put in charge of SO impor-
taht work. Names iarchaeolopv &c =,
part OF hcr great history, and should
rot degenerate into relic colIectinc"
through a bill aimed at scientific 70
search and drawn in Waterv;I1o
mere is very great future in
store Tor trained authropologists
mere since less than 25 percent of
Ihe shell-heaps, village sites and
cemeteries have been eynIored
Light is penetrating the mystery
surrounding prehistoric occupation
ol Names lake and ocean shores
Inc possession of stone objects is
secondary, the Interpretation of fold
evidence is primary. Specializ.tior
IS the order of this present age, and
we should not permit an opportun-
ity 10 carry on educational work of
the highest order to become q
scramble for stone relics"
D., Surveys are very expeps;v. os
men familiar with this line of work
are not easily found Yet. from
"hat near, we are expected to turn
over TO the State our Oakland frds
paying all the bills-and receive =,
return promise that the Iepis,.-
lure VIII reimburse us next wintor
l believe in keeping properlv re
coroed collections in Maine, but
aiso am believer in co-oneration
II. TACT as we'll as in words.
ANY reader of this article inter.s.
Gu IN preserving the stone artifaots
li Maine may communicate with mo
at the below address, and if he ~
she IS willing to refund our field ey.
pense' we shall be glad to turn ovar
soooiy portion of our best finds TO
De preserved in one of the fro nrooe
museums of Maine
warren K. Moorehead
Wayne, Maine.
Field Director New England Survey.