Hunt for Native American artifacts in Pine Island on July 19

PINE ISLAND — The Drowned Lands Historical Society will host a hunt for Native American artifacts on Van Sickle Hill in Pine Island on Thursday July 19, beginning at 7 p.m.

Members and those interested in joining the Drowned Lands Historical Society are invited to join the hunt, which will be held at the farm of Bob Sodrick, the Pine Island historian and a founding member of the Drowned Lands Historical Society.

Sodrick is the son of the late Frances Sodrick, whose collection of Black Dirt artifacts and farming memorabilia comprises most of the historical society’s considerable collection.

Van Sickle Hill is a known trove of Indian artifacts. The hunt will be conducted by John Ruszkiewicz, the historical society president, at the Sodrick farm, which is private land and normally closed to the public.

To reach the farm from the center of Pine Island take Pulaski Highway heading north across Black Dirt flats. After 1.8 miles, almost at the top of a slight hill, turn left into Van Sickle Lane. Go about 100 yards and turn left onto a dirt lane. Go about a quarter of a mile and park.

For information about the hunt or joining the historical society, contact Tracey Pietrzack at atteanyc@hotmail.com or 845-981-7064.