HIST 3M61: Local Historical Archaeology

Explore the archaeological legacies of the Niagara region.

This popular asynchronous course, taught by Dr. Kimberly Monk, provides an introduction to historical archaeology while drawing on local historic sites and archaeological case studies, to characterize the region’s remarkable human history. Coursework explores archival documents, local landscapes, and historical artifacts while also providing opportunities to tell the story of Niagara’s past through a public archaeology project.

HIST 3M61 is a full-credit online (asynchronous) course offered from 6 September 2023 – 5 April 2024 (D1).

HIST 3M61 is cross-listed with the Department of Classics and Archaeology (CLAS 3M61).

General topics from the course syllabus are provided below.

Module 1: Historical Archaeology

Introduction to Local Historical Archaeology
What is Historical Archaeology?
Archaeology Theory and Practice
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Doing Public Archaeology

Archaeologist Kimberly Monk (standing at back of trench, with headset) walks visitors through the Shickluna Shipyard site while a group of field school participants (front) continue excavation of a 19th-century boat house.

Photo source: The Brock News

Module 2: The Local Historic Environment

Niagara’s Formation and Early Human Landscape
Settler Landscapes
Built Heritage
Communities and Archaeological Heritage
Reengaging Cultural Heritage Landscapes

Module 3: Archaeological Fieldwork

Desktop research – Historical Documents and Maps
Geophysics, Remote Sensing and Aerial Reconnaissance
Planning and Research Designs
Archaeological Survey
Archaeological Excavation and Recording

Module 4: Proccessing Archaeological Material

Managing Finds at the Lab
Artifact Identification, Databasing and Cataloguing
Analytical Techniques
Analysis and Interpretation
Reports and Publication

Meet the professor

Photo source: The Brock News

Dr. Kimberly Monk is a maritime archaeologist and Adjunct Professor in the Department of History. Her work on the Shickluna Shipyards dig has garnered national and international attention. Read more about Dr. Monk and the Shickluna Shipyard archaeological site in St. Catharines in the Brock News:

Follow Dr. Monk on Facebook (@shicklunashipyard), Instragram (@digtheshipyard) and Twitter (@dig_maritime).

more from the Shickluna Shipyard Excavation

Photo credits are to Dr. Kimberly Monk, unless otherwise noted.