NEARA- Fall conferences in Masschusetts

[From Peter Anick]

Dear Massachusetts chapter members,

   As you have probably heard by now, the fall NEARA conference will be held in Massachusetts at Bridgewater State University (November 7-9). We have been fortunate to assemble a great group of speakers, covering a range of subjects from drystone wall construction and lithic sourcing to Native American history and culture, petroglyphs, the nature of sacred sites, and evidence of lunar alignments at the Cahokia mound complex.

   The greater Bridgewater area is home to many sites with historic Native American connections which we will be exploring during our talks and field trips. Some of these sites I only visited for the first time while preparing for the conference. So whether you are a new member or an “old-timer”, there will be plenty to see in this area.

  Hopefully, many of you can take advantage of the home-state location to attend. It is at conferences that we have the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, welcome new members, make new friends, and share our interests and discoveries. I will try to reserve some tables during lunch at the BSU cafeteria for us all to get together and chat.

  Hotels in this part of the state are not cheap, although we worked to get a “reasonable” rate at the Holiday Inn in Middleboro. If you live within commuting distance of the venue, you could consider driving in each day. For those further away, please make sure to reserve rooms while the room block is still available. You will also need to sign up for the banquet in advance, so that the venue knows how many will be eating there. And if you can’t join us for the banquet, you are welcome to come in after the meal to hear the keynote speaker.

  All the details about the conference and registration are available online at https://neara.org/conferences/2025-11-07.html . Non-members are welcome to attend, so feel free to invite your curious friends. Instructions for joining field trips will be sent to registered attendees about a week prior to the conference.

 

Hope to see you there!

Peter Anick (Massachusetts state coordinator) 

Annual Friends of Pine Hawk Fall Programs begin Oct. 9

The Friends of Pine Annual Hawk Fall Programs begin soon. From early October through mid-November, there are talks, walks, and a community service day that you won't want to miss.

Our series starts October 9 with the rare opportunity to hear Cheryl Stedtler, archaeologist and enrolled citizen of the Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band, talk about the Nipmuc mishoonash—large dugout canoes—found in Lake Quinsigamond.

The full program and descriptions are on our website. A printable copy of the program descriptions is here. 

All the programs are free, but require registration. 

Please email questions to friends.of.pinehawk@gmail.com.

The Friends of Pine Hawk 2025 Programs are presented with support from Acton Memorial Library and Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area.

Restoring Waramaug's Monument (New Milford CT)

New Milford and state to honor Native American chief by restoring monument at Lover’s Leap

By Kaitlin Keane, Staff Writer

Sep 15, 2025

 

NEW MILFORD (CT) – More than two centuries have passed since the monument honoring Native American Chief Waramaug at his burial site in Lovers Leap State Park was dismantled.

“He was a rock star, he really was,” Julie Stuart, executive director of the Bridgewater Land Trust, said at the recent Town Council meeting. “People have cheered at the idea of putting something back to honor his history there..."

 I do know that the Sachem Waramaug/Waraumaug/Warramaug/Raumaug probably did not wear a "Plain's Headdress," as shown in the image.

I don't know who has been consulted about this rebuilding of a Stone Prayer from the Native Community, along with all the great number of things I don't know much about.…

See more:

Waking Up on Turtle Island: Sachem Waramaug's Monument (in the local CT news)

 [From reader James O.]

A few weeks ago I bushwhacked some distance to a relatively inaccessible ridgeline in Harvard along 495. I felt pretty happy with my site-selection once I reached the top of the hill, where I found some very distinct rock piles. 

Farther down the ridge, I found what looks like a small stone chamber built against the protruding bedrock. Not big enough to enter, but if you stick your head in you are greeted with a sky-light. 

Colorado Stone Walls

I was not aware of this example:

Why have people been coming up here for 4,000 years?

Link to Pomperaug's Village (Woodbury CT)

 Envisioning Pomperaug's Village