IOUF Faculty member Ernest R. Rugenstein has undertaken a project to explore 19th century farming prior to large scale migration in NY or use of powered machinery. This project investigates the abandoned Baker Family Farm Sheep farm site in the town of Russia in Heckimer county, New York. From 1830 to 1870 farming along with timber was important to settling of the Kuyahoora Valley of New York. The examination of the artifacts found in this project will lead to a better understanding of the daily events associated with an early 19th century homestead farm. In addition, The findings will contribute to the archival resources of several county historical societies: Herkimer County Historical Society, Kuyahoora Valley Historical Society, Poland-Ohio Historical Society, and the Norway History Center.
IOUF and its partners UCN and UA are pleased to support historical research on land use.