August 22nd at 12:00pm

For adults ages 18+
Community Room, 3rd floor

Peace, love, uncertainty, and the spirit of counterculture defined the legendary Woodstock Music and Arts Festival, held from August 15–18, 1969, at a site near White Lake that is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But what truly unfolded during those four remarkable days 57 years ago?

Woodstock was far more than a symbol of 1960s culture, anti-war protest, and iconic music captured in film. Beneath the mythology lies a deeper story—one revealed through archaeology and historical study. Discarded items and festival debris have become artifacts, offering insight into the behaviors and experiences of hundreds of thousands of attendees. The event also left a lasting imprint on the local community, boosting the economy and even altering the landscape, where hemp plants later took root and spread.

Stories persist of festivalgoers who never left—whether in body or in spirit—while the critical involvement of the U.S. Army helped prevent disaster amid overwhelming crowds and limited infrastructure. Examined through an archaeological lens, Woodstock emerges as a fleeting yet transformative moment in American history.

This presentation explores the site through research and fieldwork, offering an archaeologist’s perspective on the iconic property and its place at the twilight of the Age of Aquarius.

Registration is required.

The library’s policy on children states “children in fifth grade and under shall be accompanied in the building by a responsible adult who must remain with the children at all times.” In other words, children may not be left in the Youth Services area unattended while you attend this program. Thank you for your cooperation.