5. Research Notes

Hopeton
In August, 1994, Mark Lynott (NPS) directed a crew from the Midwest Archeological Center in test excavations. The testing was conducted in the area where the parallel walls entered the floodplain of the Scioto River. Fifteen square meters were excavated, and a light scatter of habitation debris was found across the entire landform. A single pit feature containing fire-cracked rock, macrobotanical remains, and a small amount of lithic debris was exposed. Analysis of this material is ongoing at the Midwest Archeological Center. Further studies relating to Hopeton will continue in 1995.

Seip
N'omi Greber (Cleveland Museum of Natural History) is working on a report of her field investigations at Seip. Her study will also attempt to construct a base map and identify areas theat have been studied by previous investigators.

Hopewell
William Dancey (Ohio State University) has been conducting survey on the north and east sides of the Hopewell site. Dancey's surveys are aimed at locating habitation areas and better defining the settlement systems associated with this important mound and earthwork site. The study is part of long-term catchment survey being conducted as part of a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service, and is intended to help the National Park Service better determine boundaries for their future land acquisition efforts.

Geophysical Surveys In recent years, archeologists have employed several different geophysical survey instruments to detect subsurface archeological features. Each of the instruments uses a different technique to measure subsurface differences in soil matrix. Magnetometers measure subtle differences in the earths magnetic field. Resistivity meters measure difference in the resistivity of soils. Ground penetrating radar uses radar to identify subsurface features in much the same way that aerial radar is used to detect aircraft. The advantage of these research techniques is that they permit archeologists to get an idea of what may lie under the ground without actually digging. Variations in soil and local environmental conditions generally dictate which technique is most appropriate.

Cedar Bank
Commonwealth Associates received a purchase order from the National Park Service to do a reconnaissance survey and prepare an overview of the archeological resources at Cedar Banks. Little is known about this site, and it is located on a landform that is being rapidly developed for industry and business. No progress has been made on this study because the people who own the site will not grant permission for the archeological study.

Mound City Group
James Brown (Northwestern University) has been working on a synthesis of archeological research at Mound City Group. The study, which included analysis of extant collections and extensive archival research, is nearing completion. A preliminary draft manuscript describing this research has been submitted to the National Park Service. Brown plans to revise the manuscript for future publication.

Mound City Group
Paul Sciulli (Ohio State University), through a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service, is conducting an inventory of the human remains from Mound City Group. The study is required by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, and should supplement the research conducted by James Brown.

Geophysical Surveys
The National Park Service issued a purchase order to John Weymouth (University of Nebraska) for geophysical surveys at the Hopeton and High Banks Earthworks. The work at Hopeton is being conducted with Mark Lynott (Midwest Archeological Center), and the work at High Banks is being conducted with N'omi Greber (Cleveland Museum of Natural History). In 1994 the surveyors used proton magnetometers and a soil resistance meter, instruments which are intended to locate subsurface features. Weymouth is currently analyzing this data and preparing for additional surveys in 1995.

Mann
Gray and Pape, Inc. received a purchase order from the National Park Service to prepare an overview and assessment of this important Hopewell site in Posey County, Indiana.

Bibliography
Mark Seeman (Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc.) has completed a bibliography of archeological research in Ross County, Ohio. The study was funded by a purchase order from the National Park Service. The bibliography is very comprehensive, with annotations, and will be a significant aid to anyone interested in Hopewell archeology. A computer file containing the bibliographic entries is being maintained and updated at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.