Dig This: Archeology Students Unearth History with Community Engagement
July 17, 2026
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YSU Anthropology students took to Center Brook Manor to dig up the past in class, ‘Archeological Techniques’.
Archeology students took to Center Brook Manor to dig up the past.
In the class, ‘Archeological Techniques,’ YSU students begin by inspecting the field with metal detectors, and a ground penetrating radar to identify dig sites with the most potential for artifacts, human-created features, and other significant indicators as to how the manor was previously used. They then map out coordinates and measure their dig sites, which can be expanded as needed. The class began on July 1st, and runs for four weeks on site, and two weeks on campus in the anthropology lab.
A group of three students and one volunteer discovered what they think to be a stone pathway, and expanded into their third square Thursday, July 9th. This ‘feature’ could be a variety of things. Some possibilities are the foundation or wall of an outbuilding, or simply a pile of rubble from a demolished outbuilding. As the students continue to dig, more information will be revealed to further indicate what it could have been used for.
Archeology is offered as a minor within the anthropology program. Other anthropology minors include: biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, forensic anthropology, and general anthropology.
Dr. Matt O’Mansky, anthropology and sociology coordinator and Archeological Techniques professor, invited the public to volunteer at the site to expand their archeological knowledge. One community member took Dr. O’Mansky up on the offer after attending a free lecture by him at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. Four YSU anthropology alumni, who are now professional archeologists, also volunteered their time and expertise at the site.
The class also welcomed 19 children participating in the Trumbull County Historical Society’s summer camp to the site to dig, learn about different fieldwork practices, and inspire the next generation of Youngstown State University archeologists. The Trumbull Country Historical Society employs a multitude of graduates from both the anthropology program, and the history program.
While currently an archeology classroom, Center Brook Manor, located in North Bloomfield, is more than 150 years old and previously served as a stop on the Under Ground Railroad. Current owner, Roger Peterson, never seems to sit down as he works to restore the property to its 1800s layout, complete with a blacksmith shop, cabin, and other key structures. The Humanities and Social Sciences Department is incredibly thankful for the opportunity to host its course on such a significant property.
The anthropology and sociology program coordinator has been teaching at YSU for more than 20 years. He travels yearly to Guatemala for archeological research, similar to the field work he has students doing at the Manor. He also leads study abroad courses with students to Guatemala, Belize, the Bahamas, and Rwanda for students to further experience field work in international locations. Contact him at meomansky@ysu.edu for more information about the course, study abroad, and volunteer opportunities.
YSU Anthropology students took to Center Brook Manor to dig up the past in class, ‘Archeological Techniques’.
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