The Cove River Historical Site
| CRHS Open Space |
The Cove River Hisotrical Site at in West Haven, CT is a 15 acre open space park for public use. It is also a perfect location and setting for research and educational activities related to the history of the landscape, its inhabitants, ecosystems and habitats.
WARNING ! This Open Space belongs to the City of West Haven. Digging up of artifacts is only permitted when a member of the committee is present. Youare more than welcome at the site, but you must not disturb the soil or dig without an authorized guide. All artifacts belong to the City of West Haven.
In 2003 the city of West Haven bought 15.28 tree filled acres of
land resting on the shore of the Cove River for Open Space. The
previous owner, Janet Ciarleglio informed the City that Native American
artifacts had been found by her grandparents who farmed the
land. Over two hundred of them were located at the Peabody Museum,
some going back over 5,000 years.
This casual comment was the start of an adventure. The artifacts
were viewed at the Peabody. Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni, State Archeologist,
was called in. He validated that, yes in fact; the site was a
great find. The Cove River Site Committee (sub-committee of the West
Haven Conservation and Open Space Land Commission) was
started. Yale University, SCSU, DEP, City Council members and the
Peabody came to this site to begin exploring, maintaining and
documenting West Haven’s newest treasure.
There are now in progress archeological, geological and environmental
studies going on. Our plans for the future are to carry on with
supervised exploring mostly as an educational site for students of all
ages and for adults too.
Cove River in Time....
Come discover the secrets of history. No books, no pencils, bring trowels and buckets and dig through time - with a guide of course, since this is a very special and protected site. Turn the soil like a page of a book and learn to read the language of the land and water.... so much can be learned by investigating how the soil holds secrests of the past.
Ongoing archaeology studies at the Cove River Historical Site allow opportunities for CT State and University researchers from Yale's Peabody Museum and Southern Connecticut State University to work with local enthusiasts and educators, as well as school children and teachers to learn from the history written in the soils of the landscape.
- Archaeology Basics.
- Learn the Processes of a "dig".
- The importance of "physical context" or where in the soil.
- Interpreting culture from remains found in soils.
Cove River in antiquity - Colonial Period - Modern Times
This website covers a variety of issues related to the historical use of the Cove River Site landscape and its surrounding natural resources.
We consider the Cove River Site the most important, intact archaeological resource in the West Haven area and its potential as a research and educational resource is great.
- Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni
More information on specific periods of time and human occupation, as well as the evidence that leads us to interpret the site's history can be found in the sections - Antiquity, Colonial Times, 20th Century and Present, and Future - in the list at right.
