Anthropology

The NYSAA is the primary organisation for professional and avocational archaeologists in New York State. From its birth in Rochester in 1916, when the state archaeologist, Dr. Arthur Parker, formed the Lewis Henry Morgan Chapter, it has grown in size to sixteen chapters that span the state. Over the years, the Association has been involved in excavation of some of the most important sites in Northeast prehistory. (For a more extensive discussion of the association's history, check out the main NYSAA site's history page.)

Locally, an anthropological section of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences was formed first in 1920, but only lasted a year or so. An archaeological section was formed in 1935, but similarly dissolved within a year. A second anthropological section was formed in 1945. This group lasted until 1953 when it became the Frederick M. Houghton Chapter of the NYSAA with Gorden J. Schmahl as our first president.

While each chapter meets regularly, the NYSAA holds a meeting and conference in a different part of the state each year. This brings all of the distant chapter members together to socialise and share their knowledge and expertise. Additionally, our Chapter holds its own annual banquet with a guest speaker who presents a special topic in archaeology. (Please see our activities page for more on these meetings and other events.)

The Houghton Chapter is part of the New York State Archaeological Association (NYSAA), whose constitution states:

"... the purpose of the Association shall be to promote archaeological and historical study and research covering the artifacts, rites, customs, beliefs and other phases of the lives and cultures of the aboriginal occupants of New York State up to and including their contact with the Europeans..."