Episode 7 - Dave Scofield

Did you know that one of the most important archaeological sites in North America is located right here in Washington County? In Episode 7 of The WashCo Insider, Chase McClain sits down with Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village Director Dave Scofield to explore the remarkable story behind a site that has revealed evidence of human activity dating back nearly 19,000 years. From the discovery made by local farmer Albert Miller to ongoing archaeological excavations, prehistoric wildlife, Native American history, and Meadowcroft’s immersive living-history experiences, this conversation uncovers why visitors from around the world come to Avella to experience one of America's oldest stories.

America's Oldest Story May Be Right Here in Washington County

When most people think about world-changing archaeological discoveries, they picture distant deserts, ancient ruins, or faraway continents. Few realize that one of North America's most significant archaeological sites is tucked away in the rolling hills of Washington County, Pennsylvania.

In Episode 7 of The WashCo Insider, host Chase McClain sits down with Dave Scofield, Director of Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village, to discuss the fascinating history, discoveries, and experiences that make Meadowcroft one of the region's most remarkable attractions.

The story begins with Albert Miller, a local farmer, conservationist, and amateur archaeologist. In 1955, while exploring land near his family farm, Miller noticed artifacts that had been uncovered by a groundhog burrow. Recognizing the significance of what he had found, he spent nearly two decades searching for a professional archaeologist who could properly investigate the site. His patience paid off when University of Pittsburgh archaeologist Dr. James Adovasio began excavations in 1973.

What researchers uncovered changed our understanding of early human history in North America. Evidence from Meadowcroft suggests that people were using the site nearly 19,000 years ago—thousands of years earlier than many long-held theories once suggested. More than 20,000 artifacts, nearly one million animal remains, and over 1.4 million plant remains have been recovered from the site, providing an extraordinary glimpse into prehistoric life.

Today, visitors can do far more than simply look at artifacts behind glass. Meadowcroft allows guests to walk through thousands of years of history, beginning at the famous rockshelter itself before exploring a reconstructed Monongahela village, an 18th-century frontier trading post, and a 19th-century rural village. Together, these immersive experiences tell the story of how people have lived, worked, and adapted on the same piece of land for nearly 19 millennia.

The site continues to evolve. Recent additions include the new Robert Barensfeld Center, which showcases artifacts recovered from the excavation, including the very flint knife discovered by Albert Miller in 1955. Archaeological work also continues today, with roughly one-third of the rockshelter still left to excavate.

Scofield also highlights several upcoming events that make Meadowcroft a destination throughout the year. Visitors can test their skills during the annual Atlatl Competition, celebrate Independence Day with living-history demonstrations, watch vintage "base ball" played by 1860s rules, participate in guided walks through Penn's Woods, or help make traditional taffy during the museum's Fall Finale.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, lifelong learner, or simply looking for a unique family outing, Meadowcroft offers an experience unlike any other. It's a place where history and nature meet—and where the story of North America's earliest inhabitants continues to be uncovered one discovery at a time.

Watch Episode 7 of The WashCo Insider to hear the full conversation with Dave Scofield and discover why one of the continent's oldest stories is waiting to be explored right here in Washington County.