Mystery of the Templeton Site Revealed

If you are interested in Native American archeology in Connecticut, don't miss the lecture on May 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the recent findings of the Templeton Site in Washington at the Institute of American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road. The cost to attend this event is $5 and light refreshments will be served. The public is encouraged and welcomed to attend.

The Presentation

The presenter, Dr. Singer is a specialist on the Paleo-Indian period in American history, which is the earliest known human epoch in Northeastern North America, which followed the end of the Wisconsin glaciation. 

This presentation will highlight the results of the 2016 and 2017 archaeological excavations at the Templeton site which is the oldest known archaeological site in Connecticut.  Amazingly, its Paleo-Indian component has been radiocarbon-dated to 11,190 years before the present.  

Dr. Singer will present new interpretations of raw material selection and toolstone use, artifact composition, and intra-site patterning in the Paleo-Indian component. Don’t miss this exciting lecture on one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Northeast!

Site Background

The Templeton site was discovered and originally excavated in the late 1970s by archaeologists from the Institute of American Indian Studies under the direction of the Director of Research, Dr. Roger Moeller, who published a book on his findings –6LF21: A Paleo-Indian Site in Western Connecticut.  

Dr. Singer, a research associate at The Institute is currently excavating the Templeton site. His recent excavations were facilitated by collaboration among members of the local Washington community, including the Litchfield Hills Archaeology Club, the Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, the Norwalk Community College Archaeology Club, New Hampshire SCRAP,  and archaeology field schools from Western Connecticut State University and the University of Connecticut.  In addition, many avocational archaeologists and professional archaeologists also participated. 

The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS has an outdoor Three Sisters and Healing Plants Gardens as well as a replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village.  Inside the museum, authentic artifacts are displayed in permanent, semi-permanent and temporary exhibits from prehistory to the present that allows visitors a walk through time. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut and can be reached online or by calling 860-868-0518.

The Institute for American Indian Studies preserves and educates through discovery and creativity the diverse traditions, vitality, and knowledge of Native American cultures. Through archaeology, the IAIS is able to build new understandings of the world and history of Native Americans, the focus is on stewardship and preservation.  This is achieved through workshops, special events, and education for students of all ages.