An archeologist with the Kansas Historical Society (KSHS) is helping uncover hidden pieces of Topeka’s history at the site of a major construction project. 27 News spoke with Shelby Beltz, a State Historic Preservation Office archeologist, about her work at the Polk-Quincy Viaduct site in Topeka. In a recent publication from the KSHS, Beltz describes the archeological findings being there amid the ongoing labors of construction crews on and beneath the viaduct. Beltz said she watches the workers in action, keeping an eye out for any interesting materials among the dirt while utilities are being relocated. By working closely with contractors on site, Beltz is able to locate and study relics left over from Topeka’s earlier residents. “The main thing we wanted to make sure that we were doing was documenting this early part of Topeka,” Beltz said. “This was part of ‘original town’.”
Source: KSNT 27 News
