Fondo F 0125 - Ontario Archaeological Society Windsor Chapter fonds

The Windsor Chapter of the Ontario Archaeological Society (OAS) was formed in October 1977 as the “Windsor Archaeology Club,” a special interest group designed to bring together amateur and professional archaeologists in Windsor and Essex County. Thanks to overlapping interests, the archaeology club was soon joined by skin-diving enthusiasts in the local Aquatic Exploration and Research Association. The group’s formation was initially spearheaded by librarian Erika Rebello, after the Literature and History Section of the Windsor Public Library received multiple requests in the autumn of 1976 to start some kind of activity related to archaeology.

After its second meeting in 1977 the group applied to become a chartered branch of the OAS and obtained that status in 1978. Many members were simply interested in archaeology; others engaged in it as a hobby; Department of Sociology and Anthropology professors Leonard Kroon, Peter Reid, and Rosemarie Denunzio of the University of Windsor were long-time active participants. The Chapter held regular meetings to hear lectures, view slide shows or artifacts, develop skills, and/or watch films related to archaeology, with an equal emphasis on local and non-local excavations.

The OAS Windsor Chapter continues to operate as of 2024, with an active Facebook page keeping members apprised of special events, training workshops, current issues in archaeology, and local excavations or historic sites of interest.

Sources: Contents of fonds, especially Erika Rebello, “The History of Windsor Chapter,” in issue Number 5 (1978); Windsor Chapter of the Ontario Archaeological Society, Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/WindsorOAS/ (accessed 3 January 2023).