I have been asked by Larry Simpson to post
the following appeal regarding a site of national
historical significance in Hull-Ottawa, Canada.
Mr. Simpson is looking for a trained historical
archaeologist affiliated with either a Canadian
University, or an American University that
covers the Massachusetts area, who would be willing to
organise a university field school in
Hull-Ottawa in 1998:
> >
> > The 430-acre ecological park of Leamy Lake
(at the confluence of the Gatineau and Ottawa
rivers) is located in the heart of Ottawa,
Canada.  In 1992 M. Marcel Laliberte, a
vacationing archaeologist, chanced upon
prehistoric sites in the park dating back more
than 5000 years, with indications of occupations
continuing to the present day.  Since then the
Outaouais Historical Society, in partnership with
many other organisations, has worked towards
realising the immense potential of the
archaeology of the sites. For the last two years
it has operated an archaeological field school in
collaboration with the University of Quebec
(Montreal campus).  The prehistoric section of
the project is well underway and promises great
results. On the other hand, the historic section
is having serious problems getting off the
ground.
> > The colonisation of the Ottawa region was led
by Philimon Wright, and began in 1800. This
remarkable man was an American from Woburn,
Massachusetts, who deeply influenced the economic
development of Hull-Ottawa in the 19th century.
In his capacity as "founder" of  the city of
Hull- we will be celebrating the bicentenary of
his arrival in the year 2000.  From the
archaeological research at Leamy Lake Park we
have thus far discovered the first house
constructed by him, as well as his farm and
sawmill.
> > Unfortunately, the only university in Canada
working in historical archaeology is Laval
University in Quebec City.  They are overwhelmed
by projects in old Quebec City and are unable to
help us with our investigation of the Wright
settlement.  Because of this we are looking for
one or several partners.  What we are looking for
is a university specialising in historical
archaeology which would open a field school at
Leamy Lake Park and accept students (for credit)
who are ready to receive practical training.
> > We are looking for an arrangement similar to
our collaboration with the University of Quebec.
It is likely that we will be able to offer
excavation equipment and local incidental
expenses through our own grants.  We are also
able to provide a building in a waterfront
location on site that serves as crew residence,
canteen, and artifact processing area.  All
artifacts would go to a National Capital
Commission federal repository in Ottawa at the
end of the season.  The University of Quebec
field school currently runs a 12-week season from
June to August each year.  It would be expected
that any interested party would have their salary
paid through their own university as part of a
field school arrangement.
> > Our partners include the National Capital
Commission (a Canadian federal agency), the
Government of the province of Quebec, the C.R.D.O
(a regional development commission), the C.U.O
(regional government) and the city of Hull,
Quebec.
> >
> > Would you like to be part of this great
project?  If so please contact me directly
([log in to unmask]) for further details.
> >
> > Yours sincerely, for the Outaouais Historical
Society,
> >
> > Larry Simpson B.A.A., M.Sc., E.A.