First Remnants Found by Oshawa's Mayor Henry at Trent University Archaeological Dig
Glass, bone and brick found in mayor’s first shovel of earth at Oshawa Community Museum’s Henry House
Oshawa mayor John Henry joined Trent University students at Oshawa Community Museum’s Historic Henry House on Tuesday, August 23, 2011 for the first day of the archaeological dig field-course for anthropology students at Trent University Oshawa Thornton Road Campus.
“I’m getting really excited now,” said Mayor Henry as Dr. Helen Haines, assistant professor of Anthropology at Trent University ran the first mound of earth through the strainer to find pieces of animal bone, glass and brick. The mayor didn’t expect to find anything within the first minute, but his shovel full of earth proved exciting indeed.
Trent University’s Dr. Steven E. Franklin, president and vice-chancellor was present for the inaugural dig. “Today’s archaeological dig signifies the launch of an exciting, new course offering for Trent Oshawa Anthropology students,” said Dr. Franklin. “This course will allow students to complete field-work here at home, and unearth the rich histories of their own community and ancestry.”
“It’s great to see our Trent students not only get out into the community to benefit from this hands-on experience, but to also give back to the community in Oshawa with their skills and efforts,” said Dr. Brendan Hickie, dean of Trent University Oshawa.
All artefacts collected during the two-week dig will be tested in Trent University labs during the next step of the course before being donated back to the Oshawa Community Museum.