Submission Type
Poster
Abstract
This poster is an analysis of an archaeological collection by the late amateur archaeologist Jim Vitale, which was donated by his son, Sebastian Vitale. Jim Vitale was an anthropology graduate from SUNY Geneseo, studying archaeology under Dr. Wendel Rhodes. Vitale became an avid collector after college, focusing his attention on Native American history prior to European contact. He conducted extensive surveys and excavations in and around the Genesee Valley. His finding of Native American artifacts, such as projectile points and pottery, helps tell the story of who lived in these areas before Europeans took them over. After his passing, Vitale’s archaeological collection found during his excavations was donated to SUNY Geneseo’s Anthropology Department. To help with the collection and practice skills required in professional archaeological labs, students were assigned to clean, organize, and catalog the archaeological collection. The end goal of this project is to donate these artifacts to the Livingston County Historical Museum.
Recommended Citation
Chaffee, Christian; Blossomgame, Tia; LaLone, Aiden; and Cornelius, Abgail, "013 - The Vitale Collection" (2025). GREAT Day Posters. 4.
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/great-day-symposium/great-day-2025/posters-2025/4
013 - The Vitale Collection
This poster is an analysis of an archaeological collection by the late amateur archaeologist Jim Vitale, which was donated by his son, Sebastian Vitale. Jim Vitale was an anthropology graduate from SUNY Geneseo, studying archaeology under Dr. Wendel Rhodes. Vitale became an avid collector after college, focusing his attention on Native American history prior to European contact. He conducted extensive surveys and excavations in and around the Genesee Valley. His finding of Native American artifacts, such as projectile points and pottery, helps tell the story of who lived in these areas before Europeans took them over. After his passing, Vitale’s archaeological collection found during his excavations was donated to SUNY Geneseo’s Anthropology Department. To help with the collection and practice skills required in professional archaeological labs, students were assigned to clean, organize, and catalog the archaeological collection. The end goal of this project is to donate these artifacts to the Livingston County Historical Museum.
Comments
Sponsored by Paul Pacheco