MACROFLORAL, PROTEIN RESIDUE, ORGANIC RESIDUE (FTIR) ANALYSES, AND AMS RADIOCARBON DATING FOR THE BETZWOOD BOATHOUSE PROJECT, VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK, PENNSYLVANIA

A single sediment sample was recovered from Unit N971.87/E973.75 during Phase III excavations at the Betzwood Boathouse, located in Valley Forge National Historic Park, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. This sample was examined for macrofloral remains and for organic residues using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR). Charcoal from the macrofloral sample was AMS radiocarbon dated. Three projectile points from the unit were analyzed for protein residues. Diagnostic artifacts suggest a Late or Terminal Archaic occupation, and use of the site is believed to have been for seasonal procurement and processing of aquatic resources, most likely fish. Macrofloral, protein and FTIR analyses will be used to provide prehistoric subsistence information concerning plant and animal resources utilized by the various occupants of the site.