Watmough Bay Archaeological Program

June, 2004

The Watmough program, in cooperation with the Burke Museum, Samish Nation, and Bureau of Land Management brought lots of new visitors to the museum.

LIHS hosted a team from the University of Washington’s Burke Museum headed by Dr. Julie Stein, Archaeology Collections Manager Laura Phillips, and Russel Barsh, Director of the Samish Nation’s Center for Coast Salish Environments for a 2-week program at the Museum and at Watmough Bay. The Bureau of Land Management had identified a need to stabilize a portion of the bank that was being eroded by waves and weather. Rich Bailey, BLM District Archaeologist, was project coordinator.

Julie, Laura, and Russel interpreted the site stabilization procedures and sorting and analysis of artifacts. It was a fascinating program—an opportunity to experience local history from many perspectives.