How Native American People Lived on Fishers Island

Join us at the Museum for an illustrated talk with archaeologist John Pfeiffer who will give an overview of Fishers Island archaeology that focuses on the excavation of sites, artifacts discovered, and John’s interpretation of how Native American people lived on the Island. This talk is based on co-research during the 1980s and 1990s, with Dr. Robert Funk of the New York State Museum – which began as a survey of what had been discovered earlier, and evolved into a thorough study focusing on newly discovered sites, as well as scientific excavations of some of the earlier known places where prehistoric materials had been found. Together, the data generated a reasonable picture of how island resources were utilized by indigenous people and how the availability of such resources changed over time. Funk and Pfeiffer’s experience from mainland archaeological sites, when compared to the discoveries on Fishers, demonstrated a special island adaptation that permitted stable subsistence throughout the entire year – which was not always the pattern witnessed within inland sites, and in some instances, scarcity and famine had been revealed.

When: Sunday, July 19, 2026
Time: 4-5 pm
Place: At the Museum, 2nd floor and virtual, via zoom

The archaeological investigation of Fishers Island by Funk and Pfeiffer was guided by Charles Ferguson, whose family had been residents for over a century. Charlie and his father, Henry, kept a watchful eye upon the discovery and recording of Native American artifacts found. A section of the H. L. Ferguson Museum was dedicated to their initial archaeological studies. Charlie’s daughter Marnie wrote a report that complemented their findings and the museum’s displays.

Dr. John Pfeiffer during the decade long archaeological investigation of Fishers Island (1986-1996).

About John
Dr. Pfeiffer has lived in coastal Connecticut for his entire life and began his archaeological career at an early age, working locally as a high school student.  Before entering college, John worked in England as an archaeologist on Roman and Arthurian sites. He majored in Anthropology at the University of Connecticut, then continued his anthropology and archaeology studies at Wesleyan University, earning a master’s degree. He received his PhD in anthropology from the State University of New York at Albany.  There he met his mentor, colleague, and long-time friend Bob Funk who was the New York State Archaeologist. Together they worked on many sites throughout New York State and after a full day of excavation, they would retire to a ping-pong table and play well into the night. On Fishers they were often joined by the field crew and their host, Charlie Ferguson.

The above Mural of West Harbor was painted by former Museum president, Charlie Ferguson.