Continued Presence: Unearthing Ramapo Lenape History in Sloatsburg
Sun, Apr 19
|Harmony Hall-Jacob Sloat House
Historian Dr. Chuck Stead will present a compelling talk exploring the groundbreaking archaeological and historical work of Ed Lenik and Nancy Gibbs, whose research has reshaped our understanding of Indigenous history in the Ramapo Highlands.
Time & Location
Apr 19, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Harmony Hall-Jacob Sloat House, 15 Liberty Rock Rd, Sloatsburg, NY 10974, USA
About The Event
At the heart of the presentation is the archaeological dig and survey conducted in Sloatsburg—work that builds upon Lenik’s long-standing thesis that the local Munsee people, today known as the Ramapough Munsee Lenape Nation, maintained a continuous presence in the region dating back to the early Woodland Period (circa 1000–200 BC).
Building on a Powerful Thesis
Ed Lenik’s research challenges outdated narratives that have often minimized or fragmented Indigenous histories in the Northeast. His thesis—that the Munsee Tribe sustained a continuous presence in the Ramapo Highlands from the early Woodland Period onward—has gained increasing credibility through archaeological data, artifact analysis, and collaborative historical research.
Historian Nancy Gibbs has played a crucial role in contextualizing these findings, connecting archaeological evidence with documentary records and oral traditions. Together, their work strengthens our understanding of how past and present are linked through place, culture, and memory.
Why This Matters
The Ramapo Highlands are…