The first edition of this publication has proven to be a valuable reference for Paleo-Indian activity in Somerset County. Had it not been for those who contributed their time and dedication to this publication much of the information contained within may very well have been lost. Many collectors who made their collections available for study have since pasted on. At this time the whereabouts of some of these collections is unknown. Quite often when a collector passes on, their collection is either sold or distributed among the surviving family members. Most private collections remain un-cataloged. Thus, information such as provenance is usually lost. A collection that is not accompanied by accurate records of where individual artifacts were found is of little value for archaeological study. Publications such as this one serve as a photographic catalog and help to preserve archaeological resources for generations to come.

       For the reasons cited above, the Somerset County Archeology Society, Inc. is dedicated to efforts that preserve the original 1978 study and expand upon it. It is our goal to make sure that the information contained within is widely available to researchers and the general public by utilizing recent developments in electronic publishing and possibly reissuing new editions in printed form.

       Within this new edition all of the editorial comment, photographs, artwork, and credits from the 1978 publication have been preserved. One exception must be noted. The specimens labeled 36SOPA-12, 36SOPA-13, and 36SOPA-14 in this edition were originally labeled Items No. 1, 2, & 3, respectively, of specimen No. 36SOPA-12. This change was made to prevent confusion in the assignment of new specimen numbers that may be added to this publication in the future. In addition some alterations to the original page layout had to be made to accommodate the media requirements of electronic publishing.

       This electronic version should be considered a work in progress. Many new finds have been made since the first publication. Attempts will be made to locate and photograph such artifacts for inclusion in this ongoing study. When possible any new additions will be accompanied by a more thorough and detailed description than has been provided for the specimens in the first edition. Should the opportunity arise to reexamine any of the artifacts contained within the first publication, an effort will be made to expand upon their original descriptions. Any updates to the original descriptions will be labeled as such in order to maintain the integrity of the original publication. Inclusion of additional artifacts may not be limited only to those found within Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Artifacts found in counties adjacent to Somerset County may also be considered should it be determined that their inclusion would enhance this study.

       The Somerset County Archeology Society would like to dedicate this new edition to the memory of Vera Jane Hoffman. Vera Jane was a "mover and shaker" in the early days of our organization and has been missed by many.

       Any reprints, photocopies, or photographs may not be made without the express permission of the Somerset County Archeology Society, Inc.

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