DEERFIELD — Members of the Massachusetts Archaeological Society’s western chapter have organized a conference to assess what is currently unknown about glacial Lake Hitchcock.
According to Richard Michael Gramly, chairman of the Massachusetts Archaeological Society’s western chapter, glacial Lake Hitchcock existed from about 18,000 years ago to 13,000 years ago, and stretched from northern Vermont and New Hampshire to central Connecticut. Its formation and drainage had a profound effect on New England because it left the area with rich soil suitable for farming, Gramly said.
“It is unique,” said Lester Garvin, a member of the Massachusetts Archaeological Society’s western chapter who raised the idea of holding a conference about Lake Hitchcock. “It’s one of the most significant developments in the New England area.”
The conference, titled “Glacial Lake Hitchcock and its Primal Inhabitants,” will be held Saturday at Eaglebrook School. Registration is from 7:30 to 9 a.m., and the conference will conclude around 5 p.m. after eight half-hour presentations, audience discussion, and coffee and lunch breaks.
“This is just a bunch of scientists and people who are interested in science having a day of enjoyment together,” Gramly said.
He expects between 100 and 150 guests.
Following a welcome address and introductions, the keynote speaker Richard Little will give his presentation, “Geology of the Connecticut River Valley.” Barbara Calogero of Connecticut will follow with “Lithic Resources Used During Early Prehistory.”
Gramly will give two presentations: “The Palaeo-American Cultural Sequence” and “What a Single Discovery of a Palaeo-American Artifact Might Mean.”
After lunch, there are three more presentations.
For the full conference program and registration form, visit www.photographicanalysis.com/archaeology/archaeology-conference-2016/.