Schuylkill County's buried Past

Francis J. Burke, Schuylkill County Historian and archeologist, is recognized as Schuylkill County's "father of archeology." Mr, Burke has been uncovering Schuylkill County's "hidden treasures" for over forty years and has amassed an astounding collection of archeological artifacts during his career.  In addition to his work in the field of archeology, Francis is an accomplished historian and has researched historical data to support his "finds".  He has shared his findings with educational institutions on all levels, and his work has served to both inspire and enhance the studies of many local historians and amateur archeologists.

He is a 40 year member of the Society for Pennsylvania Archeology and originated the Pennsylvania Archeology Site Recording Program in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania for the Bureau for Historic Preservation.  He taught field methods and archeology to students from St. John's University, New York, while excavating sites in Schuylkill County. Burke has also worked with the Pennsylvania State University, Franklin & Marshall College, and Temple University on a Prehistoric Sites course from New York University.  He has been affiliated with the William Penn Museum for a number of years.

In addition to authoring  several books describing Indian presence in Schuylkill County, Burke has written articles for the Laurel and Schuylkill Living magazines, the Cressona Historical Society, and for the North Central Chapter No. 8 Society for Pennsylvania Archeology.

Francis Burke resides in Marlin Pennsylvania with his wife Barbara, who provided many of the illustrations for this publication.