AVERY MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION ARCHAEOLOGY EXPLORER POST 1656

Learning for Life Division of the Boy Scouts of America by Dr. Ted Davi

The introduction of Scouting programs for the Avery Memorial Association has come about as a result of the several successful archaeology resource recovery projects (the "Digs") that we have had at the site of the "Hive of the Averys." We have recovered many Avery artifacts, including, but not limited to, nails from the 1600s, shoe buckle, a semi precious stone from jewelry, a child’s horse riding spur, furniture caster wheel, toothbrush pieces from the 19th century, animal bones and sea shells, among other finds. During the third Avery Hive dig, we invited Boy Scouts to participate and earn their Archaeology Merit Badge.

Since that time, Dr. Ted Davi, who is a member of the Learning for Life (LFL) Division of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), National Exploring, Engineering & Technology Advisory Board, and the founder of the new National Archaeology Exploring Advisory Board (NAEAB), LFL, BSA, has invited several professional and amateur archaeologists to become members of the NAEAB, including Mr. Jack Rajotte from Groton. The Avery Memorial Association is the sponsor for Explorer Post 1656, the year when the Avery Hive was built (as opposed to 1894, when hot sparks from a railroad locomotive burned down the Hive).

Exploring is the career education program of Learning for Life, for both young men & women age 14 (having completed the 8th grade) or 15 - 20 years of age. Archaeology Careers Exploring is a youth development archaeology program. Participants may experience real-time archaeological digs, cleaning & categorizing artifacts, and researching “finds” through which they could earn the Archaeology Merit Badge.

From the archaeology experience, an interest in American Heritage, and Indian Lore may follow for which it is also possible to earn merit badges.

Our program includes potential Eagle or community service projects for the Boy/Girl Scouts/LFL or interested parties at one or all of the following sites: 1.The Ebenezer-Avery House-Museum, 2. The Avery Hive, and/or 3. The Avery-Morgan Cemetery.

Let this serve as an invitation for youth from our area to join Explorer Post 1656, Groton, CT to join the exciting adventure of archaeology and discovery.

Spread the word!

If interested, please contact Stephanie Lantiere by telephone at (860) 274-6115 or e-mail: SGLantiere@aol.com.