Millbrook Cavan Historical Society

“Can You Dig It? History Right Here Under Our Feet”

People are always interested in their past. Something inherent in human nature demands that questions such as "where did we come from?" and "how did we know how to do that?" be answered.

We are all familiar with the wonders of the Egyptian pyramids, the architecture of Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire and their accompanying mythologies and the treasures of Mesoamerica. We are also familiar with Indiana Jones and his adventures. We do not, however, have to travel to such exotic places in the quest for knowledge of our past. Canada has its share of pre-history and history, indeed, Ontario is rich in heritage. You may even be surprised what’s under your feet right here in this Township and the surrounding area.

Millbrook Cavan Historical Society is pleased to present another in our series of 2010 Community Outreach meetings.

  • Tuesday, March 16th, 7pm, at the Legion in downtown Millbrook.

Kathy Morton, President of Manvers Township Historical Society and an avid archeological hobbyist, will be speaking about the importance of archeology, and the artifacts that have been unearthed here in the Township and the surrounding area. Her presentation, entitled “Local Archaeology - Pre-History and its Future”, will explore the rediscovering and charting our pre-historic heritage, understanding the evolution of our environment and the influence on settlement, the preservation of indigenous sites with a legacy of unique artifacts, and educating about the significance of preserving history 400-800 years ago and charting our pre-historic heritage. She will also have a number of unearthed artifacts available for viewing and discussion.

We begin to see how important archaeology can be in reconstructing the past, but also the importance of keeping that record as accurately as possible. Artifacts by themselves can sometimes tell us very little. They provide far more information when found in relation to a particular soil or building. The soil and remains of a structure can also provide valuable information and are an equally important part of archaeological record.

Many people wonder why we need to do archaeology at all if we already know our history and have many documents that can tell us a variety of things about our past. Again, human nature dictates our need to know even more about ourselves. We might also question how intact our historical record is. Was every record about everything that ever happened always kept? It’s not likely. There is also the aspect of the unrecorded. It is the uncertainties about our past that archaeology can uncover as well as confirming or disproving what we think we already know.

While historical documents provide knowledge about the past, archaeology allows us to physically touch history. It provides a rare opportunity to interact with the past and enhance our historical understanding.
 

  • April Community Meeting: Tuesday, April 20th at 7pm, also at the Legion in Millbrook

Kathryn Campbell, Hope Mill Foundation President, will be speaking about the restoration and renovation of Hope Mill in Otonabee-South Monaghan Township. Using a series of old photographs, she will talk about the challenges they have faced and the obstacles that have been overcome. If you are interested in the on-going issues around Needler’s Mill, the dam and the pond.

Remember, its only history as long as someone continues to tell the story.

Steve Elliott,
Secretary/Communications Director
Millbrook Cavan Historical Society