Students get dig of a lifetime

Madison (WTNH) - A group of students is getting a glimpse into pre-historic times. The students have been selected to take part in an archaeological dig.

For six students from Daniel Hand High School, in Madison, it was day out of the classroom and into the dirt. They're trying to discover more evidence of an early Native American presence at the junction of Old Route 79 and Yankee peddler.

"What's more interesting...would you ever have thought you'd find spear tips by a pole?
This could be anywhere, this is cool," said Student Anastasia Soroko.

For the students, and their teacher, it is a unique educational experience.

"One is archeological in the field, the sort of an inspiration being around some very knowledgeable people in the field," said Hand Teacher Chris Pagliuco.

Pre-historic spear points had already been found at the site. The hope, today, was to uncover even more artifacts.

"We lose history very fast, especially archaeological sites because they're fragile [and] shallow; [it] doesn't take much land use to really remove it. We aren't giving up," said State Archaeologist Nick Bellantoni.

A few months ago, the original spear points were brought to Dr. Donald Rankin who knew the site was potentially important.

"So, Native Americans lived in Connecticut over 10,000 years ago. And they deserve our respect and I'm one of the people who cares a great deal about that," said Dr. Rankin of Madison.

The team didn't find any new spears today. But they did unearth part of a clay pot from a later period.

"The moral of the story is anytime you're even in the garden, in the backyard, you may find artifacts; give us a call," said Bellantoni.