Jr.-Sr. High School students learned that archeology is a much wider field than merely digging for artifacts at an historical site. During an assembly with Brookhaven National Laboratory archeologist Dr. Allison McGovern, the students not only received an introduction to the field but learned about various components, methods, legalities and tools utilized by professional archeologists and some of the local sites that were examined and preserved.
Dr. McGovern specializes in uncovering and preserving the stories buried in Long Island's past. She combines archaeology, history, and community engagement to protect important cultural sites and bring overlooked narratives to light.
Dr. McGovern cautioned that the practice of archeology can be a “destructive and expensive process,” and that preservation is often cheaper and more sustainable. She also examined local sites, such as Spy Coast Farm in Setauket, the Crippen House in Huntington and the Betsy Prince site in Rocky Point where valuable artifacts shed light on former communities on Long Island. Dr. McGovern also spoke about archeological digs that revealed information about ancient civilizations and the cultural exchanges that resulted from such findings.
During her presentation, students gained a deeper understanding of how social scientists study the past, use evidence to reconstruct historical events, and explore the lives of communities.
Date Added: 12/2/2025