Research Interests:
My research focuses on the historical archaeology of eastern North America, particularly New Jersey.  I have worked on sites in Connecticut, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia, as well as the Republic of Ireland.  I am particularly interested in the use of archaeology to enrich our understanding of the past, and particularly of the lives of people who are underrepresented in the historical record.  Long term research interests include early American gravemarkers, vernacular architecture and its archaeological traces, the ceramics industry, and culture change among Native American populations.   In general, I am interested in how people use material culture to define their worlds, establish their identities, and communicate their values.

Current Projects:
I currently have several research projects underway.  They include archaeological studies of the Abraham Staats House, a Dutch-American farm in the Raritan Valley and an archaeological survey of Point Breeze, the palatial home Joseph Bonaparte.  I am also engaged in tree-ring dating study of central New Jersey’s early houses, and am preparing an article on Gypsy gravemarkers in New Jersey.  If you have any information about the Staats family, Joseph Bonaparte and Point Breeze, or Gypsy gravemarkers feel free to contact me.  Some additional information about the two archaeological sites is provided below.

STAATS HOUSE

POINT BREEZE

Some related links:
Historical Archaeology http://www.sha.org/,  
CNEHA http://www.smcm.edu/Academics/soan/cneha/home.htm
Industrial Archaeology http://www.sia-web.org/
North American Prehistory http://www.saa.org/
New Jersey History http://www.jerseyhistory.org/
Gravestone Studies http://www.gravestonestudies.org/