Students at Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School recently received a hands-on lesson in how archeologists uncover—and protect—the stories of the past. During a special assembly with Brookhaven National Laboratory archeologist Dr. Allison McGovern, students discovered that the field is far more complex than simply digging for artifacts.
Dr. McGovern, whose work blends archaeology, history, and community collaboration, introduced students to the many components that make up professional archeology. She discussed cultural preservation, historical research, survey techniques, excavation methods, and the legal frameworks that govern work at protected sites. Her message underscored a central truth: archeology is not only scientific, but deeply ethical.
“Archeology can be a destructive and expensive process,” Dr. McGovern cautioned. She emphasized that careful preservation—whenever possible—is often more responsible, cost-effective, and sustainable than excavation. By protecting sites in place, communities safeguard cultural resources for future generations.
The presentation also connected students to Long Island’s own hidden history. Dr. McGovern highlighted several important regional sites where researchers have uncovered clues to earlier communities and long-forgotten stories. Among them were Spy Coast Farm in Setauket, the Crippen House in Huntington, and the Betsy Prince site in Rocky Point, each yielding artifacts that help illuminate centuries of human activity across the island.
Students also learned how archeological methods reveal evidence of ancient civilizations and the cultural exchanges that shaped them. From soil analysis to mapping techniques and archival research, Dr. McGovern demonstrated how social scientists weave together physical evidence and historical records to reconstruct events and understand the daily lives of past societies.
By the end of the assembly, students gained a deeper appreciation for how archeologists think, work, and interpret the world. The experience offered a meaningful look at how the past is studied—and why preserving it matters.