Bioarchaeology

Bioarchaeology at the New York State Musuem focuses on understanding the lives of past populations through the study of human skeletal remains. Standard osteological methods are used to construct individual life histories and address broader questions of human adaptation and interaction through demographic trends, patterns of dietary and disease stress, trauma, and other activity related behaviors. These methods are also used to compile documentation in compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and assist law enforcement in the identification of human remains.
 

News Articles

NYSM crew and volunteers sifting in late August 2019

NYSM Bioarchaeology Staff Study Remains of Revolutionary War Soldiers

Published May 11, 2023 | Bioarchaeology

In 2019, bones dating back to the late 18th century were uncovered at a Lake George Village construction site. For the past four years, NYSM bioarchaeology staff Lisa Anderson, Julie Weatherwax, and Alexandra DeCarlo have been working together with the DEC to learn more about the remains to help...

Spoil heap (also known as a backdirt pile) as it was seen in May 2019 at the Lake George Courtland Street Burial Ground

Bioarchaeology at the Courtland Street Burying Ground

Published December 19, 2019 | Bioarchaeology

When a historic unmarked cemetery was found during construction in Lake George, New York last winter, it was presumed to date to the mid-18th century French and Indian War. The discovery of a regimental button from the First Pennsylvania Battalion however placed the cemetery at the time of the...

Collections

Bioarchaeology

Bioarchaeology