We are aware that the Native Americans lived here before the Euro-Americans invaded and displaced them. But what do we really know about them? They did not leave any written records so all we have to go on is the material they left behind. Archaeology is the study of people based on their remains. Such study is made more difficult because most of the obvious remains have already been destroyed. Nevertheless, the investigations proceed, even though more sites continue to be destroyed.

To coordinate research activities and provide a medium in which findings could be published, a group of ten avocational archaeologists formed the Chenango Archeological Society back in 1950. In 1960 it became the Chenango Chapter of the New York State Archaeological Association. The Chapter has been publishing a bulletin since 1958. Much of what we know about our local Indian precursors is found in the pages of this bulletin.

One of the great stalwarts of this Chapter is Monte Bennett of Earlville. He has been an active member since 1964 and enthusiastically shares his vast knowledge with the rest of us. There he is in the photo, showing me some of the many artifacts he has found. He has compiled a comprehensive history of our Chapter. In April, Monte presented his historical slide show to the Beauchamp Chapter in Syracuse at Sainte Marie among the Iroquois.