Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of People’s State Forest in Barkhamsted, Connecticut is home to three of the state’s designated State Archaeological Preserves. Ken Feder directed the excavation of two: the metaphorically named Lighthouse community and the 2,850-year-old Walter Landgraf Soapstone Quarry.
On Sunday, October 6th, at Matthies Grove in Peoples State Forest, East River Road, Barkhamsted, FALPS and the State of Connecticut celebrated the true essence of the “Peoples” State Forest. Attendees delved into its founding, participated in forest-related activities, watched oxen pull logs to a portable sawmill and observed the loggers milling the wood. They enjoyed a chain carving contest and witnessed dignitaries plant a ceremonial tree, among many other engaging events.
Both Robert Starr and Ken Feder remarked that it was a splendid day filled with beauty and history.
FALPS : FALPS is a group that works diligently and tirelessly to improve our forests, keep the trails clear, build bog bridges and boardwalks and fun year-round hikes and events to benefit those who visit the area.
Note: I’ll add any newspaper article links or photos of the event as they come in. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to the event, but I can’t wait to see all the photos taken.
L2R: Sites Archeologist Ken Feder & Light House Descendant Robert StarrPhoto credit: Ken Feder L2R: Ken Feder & Ginny AppleL2R: Ginny Apple & Robert Starr – Photo credit: Robert StarrKen Feder Photo credit: Robert StarrDisplay by: Ginny Apple (based off archeological places of site) Photo credit: Robert Starr
Hello everyone! With the 2nd Barkhamsted Lighthouse Gathering of July 2025 on the horizon, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide some information and historical context, so in the coming year I will be posting some of the Barkhamsted Light House Village story for you via research/documents/photos/newspaper articles… Etc.
Got an email from Liz Lightfoot I wanted to share:
Via Liz: (Witness Stones Project) On that note, I wanted to mention that all this week Connecticut Public Radio has been doing a series on Connecticut slavery. Today’s final episode of the series, Unforgotten: Connecticut’s Hidden History of Slavery, focuses specifically on how students have responded to doing Il Witness Stones Project. As you will see, Dennis Culliton (WS founder/executive director), Joy Burns (WS director of outreach), and Jumoke McDuffie-Thurmond (poet, my former teaching colleague/WS collaborator) are featured, as are several remarkable students. Hopefully you’ll get a sense of what this experience meant to the students and how deeply they engaged…
I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the dedication & chapter you included in your book. It was an incredibly touching gesture that truly touched my heart and the words you penned were incredibly moving, to the point where they brought tears to my eyes.
To see my name immortalized within the pages of your work is an honor beyond words. Your dedication has not only made me feel seen and appreciated, but it has also given me a sense of validation and encouragement in my endeavors. It is a reminder that the support and recognition of others can have a profound impact on one’s journey.
Your words and the sentiment behind them have touched me deeply. They serve as a reminder of the connection we have forged through our work and the impact it has had on my life. Your book has been a source of inspiration, knowledge, and solace, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of its creation in some small way.
Thank you for your dedication, not only to your craft but also to your readers. Your commitment to your work and the care you put into every word is evident in the pages of your book. It is a testament to your talent and passion as an author.
Please know that your dedication has left an indelible mark on me, and I will cherish it always. I am honored to have been a part of your journey, and I look forward to continuing to support and follow your work in the future.
I am deeply honored by the recognition you have given to my work and the invaluable assistance you have provided me with throughout my research journey. Your support has meant the world to me, and I am truly grateful for the impact you have had on my work.
You, Jenn, and your children hold a special place in my heart, and I consider you all as part of my extended family. Our bond is one that I cherish deeply, and it will always remain strong and meaningful to me.
With heartfelt appreciation & much love,
❤️ Coni Dubois
Personally signed and autographed for me.I feel deeply honored that he chose to write a chapter about me in his book.
Kinny, In the course of my research, my dear friend, I have made a remarkable revelation: you are the truly extraordinary discovery. As I journeyed along, I cannot express enough gratitude for having crossed paths with someone like you, who selflessly dedicated time to help me unravel the mysteries of my ancestors, the Barkhamsted Lighthouse People.
On behalf of all the descendants, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to you and your invaluable work.
Thank you from the depths of our hearts.
“Friendship with an author is like having a backstage pass to their literary world.”
Unknown
FYI: Just so you know, I’ve always affectionately referred to him as “Kinny.” It’s a personal term of endearment.
Kenneth Feder’s 2nd book on Barkhamsted Lighthouse is NOW AVAILABLE 😁 He is also providing a 30% discount code for both the physical hardbound book and the eBook.
Ken had included me in his dedication of this amazing book ❤️ & to the “generations speeding onward in an ever widening circle.” Truly warmed my heart to see this~
Please help me welcome Ken Feder (Kenneth L. “Kenny” Feder), a professor of archaeology at Central Connecticut State University and author of several books on archaeology and criticism of pseudoarchaeology such as Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology. His book Encyclopedia of Dubious Archaeology: From Atlantis to the Walam Olum was published in 2010. His book Ancient America: Fifty Archaeological Sites to See for Yourself was published in 2017. He is the founder and director of the Farmington River Archaeological Project and is the main Archaeologist of our Barkhamsted Lighthouse site!
I am so excited to have him on board and can’t wait to see what he publishes for us!
I will be becoming more active on this blog myself and have tons of exciting things coming souon!
This site is dedicated to the ancestors of the Johnson, Booker and Petruff families of Rhode Island, Connecticut and Pennsylvania and thier connecting lines of lineage.
Ever Widening Circle 