Herbert C. Kraft receiving the Canadian-American Friendship Cup at the 1997 Eastern States Archaeological Federation's Annual Meeting in New Jersey. Standing beside Herb is John Reid (Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto) (far left), and Steve Bumball (Treasurer, Archaeological Society of New Jersey).
The following award has recently been presented to Herbert C. Kraft by the Archaeological Society of New Jersey.
Herbert C. Kraft
Archaeological Society of New Jersey Lifetime Achievement Award The Archaeological Society of New Jersey recognizes Herbert C. Kraft for his extraordinary contributions to the archaeology of New Jersey. An expert on the prehistory of New Jersey, Herbert C. Kraft is a distinguished Emeritus Professor of Anthropology at Seton Hall University, and Director of the University’s Archaeological Research Center and Museum. He has, for many years, been the person most responsible for bringing information about the aboriginal occupation of New Jersey to the attention of the scholarly community and the general public. His career has encompassed over 40 years of publishing, lecturing, museum curation, and teaching.
Professor Kraft’s publications are numerous, but his book, The Lenape: Archaeology, History and Ethnography, published in 1986 by the New Jersey Historical Society (and currently being extensively revised), and monographs on his archaeological excavations at the Miller Field, Harry’s Farm, Plenge, and Minisink sites in the Upper Delaware Valley, stand as seminal works on the prehistoric occupation of our state.
He is the nation’s foremost scholar of the Lenape Indians and their traditions. His contributions to Lenape ethnography and history stand by themselves, but also amplify our knowledge of Lenape precursors in prehistory. In recognition of his many contributions to New Jersey archaeology, ethnography, and history, Kean College conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters degree on him in 1981. In 1991 he was given the highest honor bestowed by the New Jersey Historical Commission with the Governor Richard J. Hughes Award for "... devotion to the study of the original inhabitants of New Jersey both in prehistoric times and since their contact with Europeans, and to efforts to make this information available to a broad public."
Herb has served on the executive boards of many regional archaeological societies, including the Eastern States Archaeological Federation, the Middle Atlantic Archaeological Conference, and the New York State Archaeological Association. However, his 50 years of devoted and unselfish service to the Archaeological Society of New Jersey (including four terms as president, three years as Bulletin editor, and appointment as a Fellow in 1978) merit special recognition. There is no doubt that without Herb’s nurturing and constant support, the Archaeological Society of New Jersey would not be near celebrating its 75th anniversary.
Professor Kraft is an icon in the community of archaeologists in the Middle Atlantic and Northeastern United States. When anything pertaining to the archaeology of New Jersey is mentioned, the name of Herbert C. Kraft is certain to come up. His celebrity, however, has never overshadowed the genuine interest he displays in talking to avocational archaeologists, members of local historical societies, school children, or the individual who just happened to find an "arrowhead."
When honoring members of the wider New Jersey historical community who have made significant contributions and who have made a difference, there can be no denying the mark that Herbert C. Kraft has made. We have all been rewarded by his life’s work, and publicly thank him for it.
Charles A. Bello, A.S.N.J. Fellow and Past President
R. Alan Mounier, A.S.N.J. President
September 14, 2000
Herbert C. Kraft at the March 1987 meeting of the ASNJ, leading a tour of the Savich Farm site.
Herbert Clemens Kraft — A Mentor, Colleague and Friend
by Charles A. Bello, A.S.N.J. Fellow and Past President
November 2, 2000
I lost a good friend a few nights ago. My life has been enriched because of our friendship. I will never forget him.
I first corresponded with Herb Kraft about twenty-two years ago, wanting to purchase some of his publications on the archaeology of the Upper Delaware Valley. I sent a letter requesting the books and asking for prices. Herb responded by sending me the books and told me to send him the payment later on when it was convenient.
As my interest in prehistory progressed I started attending meetings of the Archaeological Society of New Jersey. I soon became quite aware that Herb was a figure of authority and commanded a lot of attention. So, while observing him identifying artifacts and talking to nearly everyone at every meeting, I said "what the hell" and introduced myself. I began telling him about the Indian sites I knew of in the Princeton area and the artifacts I had found. I was pretty young and inexperienced, but Herb nevertheless listened, showed interest in what I was saying, and offered some sage advice. However, what I remember most from this early encounter was that he encouraged my interest in archaeology and urged me to record and publish my findings.
I tried my best to follow his advice. My professional relationship and friendship with Herb quickly grew and developed as I began to get involved in CRM and the ASNJ. I became a regular visitor at both the Seton Hall University Museum and at Herb's home in Elizabeth. My wife and I were always delighted whenever Herb came over to our house for dinners or parties. As I write this remembrance, I am happy to say that I had gotten to know him pretty well after twenty-two years.
I have learned a lot from him, not only about prehistoric lithics and pottery, but writing and speaking and interacting with people as well. Herb was a great teacher. He taught and led by example. He was always willing to take time from his busy schedule to edit an article, read a report, or to offer some assistance.
Those who knew Herb personally are aware how he reveled in his popular standing among colleagues, students, and the general public. In many ways he was a showman, but certainly not a show-off. He was very proud of his accomplishments, and nothing pleased him more than to bring the fruits of his efforts to those interested.
I have also learned a lot about facing the fears and uncertainties of disease and dying from spending time with Herb during the last six months of his life. We had many long and frank discussions on topics ranging from why cancerous cells develop and spread, what constitutes a healthy lifestyle, financial planning, family responsibilities, to the commercialization of death. We talked in detail about caskets as though we were discussing automobiles.
Even though Herb had traveled a lot in his life, there were many places he still wished to see. He wanted to join me in Alaska to do some digging if he recovered. Herb almost obsessed on the articles that he never got a chance to write, and the problems of culture history that still bugged him. We collaborated on editing the Bulletin of the Archaeological Society of New Jersey throughout the summer. Despite his failing health, we tossed around many ideas for articles, reports, talks, and projects. He was thinking and working right up until the very end.
When Herb knew he didn’t have a lot of time left he became very philosophical, but yet again appeared as a man who was facing death with dignity and with little fear. In fact, even though he was angry about his cancerous condition, he really became upset after his stroke — when he could not move, talk, or read very well. In one of the last clear statements Herb made to me he described the condition the stroke left him in as "a real pain in the ass," but managed to follow with a smile and say that all he really wanted to do is get back to working on his book.
I clearly saw the love he had for his family and especially for his wife of fifty years, Joan. Their loving and respectful relationship and the way Joan helped him and provided encouragement was especially touching.
After seeing Herb's condition slowly deteriorate over the summer and into the fall, I gained comfort in knowing that I gave him someone to continue to talk to about archaeology, and that our talks apparently had a healing effect.
On one of my last visits I thanked him for allowing me to spend so much time talking about the ASNJ and said that I hoped I was not bothering him. He quickly interrupted me and told me that I was one of his best "archaeological" friends and how he valued our friendship and the time we spent over the years working together in the ASNJ. Of all the accolades, awards, or other types of praise I have ever received in my life, I cherish the fact that Herb considered me a good friend and that he thanked me for the work that I have done for archaeology in New Jersey.
I miss Herb, and do not really think that a day will go by for quite a while that I won’t think of my friend and all the good he did for archaeology.
requiescat in pace
[From a former student]
I have often heard it said that when we mourn the dead we are actually mourning for ourselves — railing against the pain and sorrow of a deep loss in our lives, the loss of someone who can never be replaced. I know this to be true firsthand. Still, while I rue the things that were never said, the work that was not completed, and the years that were not lived, when remember the life of Herb Kraft I am overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude that he chose to spend the time that he did among us. He has touched all of our lives in some way or another — with his research, with his good humor, with his eloquence, the list is endless.
When I was beginning my third year at Seton Hall University, freshly returned from the Pine Ridge Reservation for a cultural field study, I went to work for Herb. What an honor it was for me to work with the man who was, inarguably, the expert on the Lenape/Delaware people. It didn’t matter to me at that point that I didn’t know all that much about the Lenape; this was Herb Kraft, and I certainly knew who he was. I was elated that he allowed me to come work for him, but at the same time I was completely intimidated. Sure, I had met him around campus — in fact, he went with the Anthropology Club on a field trip to the National Museum of the American Indian in New York and we talked a little about his book that he was starting to put together about "Pahaquarry and the Old Mine Road." But this was a heck of a lot different than a few minutes’ conversation. Would I cut it, I wondered?
A little over five years later I can laugh. For a man who knew so much, had published so many papers, and had spoken in so many places, he was the least pretentious individual I have ever met. As weeks stretched into months stretched into years, Herb revealed himself to be not only extremely knowledgeable and talented but also friendly, kind, generous, humorous, and gentle. He was the type of man who dropped what he was doing when a student needed help — or anyone, for that matter. He was happy to speak to anyone and everyone about many things, especially about the Lenape; and he spoke to everyone on the same level, condescending to none.
That was the first thing that deeply impressed me about Herb — he was the first person to treat me like a colleague rather than just another student who worked for him. He allowed me to edit his work, which to me was, and still is, an awesome responsibility. He was also the first person to criticize my work; and although he felt badly about it because it crushed me, I don’t think he ever realized what a big favor he really did me. When I graduated from Seton Hall, he made sure he was there, and was as proud of me as my mother was. When I went away to grad school, he continued to send me work to read (when I had the time of course, but when wouldn’t I have had the time for him?), and letters catching me up on how he was and what was going on at Seton Hall. When I was in a bind during the completion of my thesis, Herb thought nothing about helping me out. He has always been there for me as a mentor and as a friend, and in that respect I have always felt very lucky to know him.
Herb taught me a great deal about what I needed to do to be a good scholar, but he also taught me by example what I need to do to be a good person. He lived a good life; he never spoke of anyone maliciously; he spoke the truth; he treated all those he met with respect; he was generous with his time, knowledge, and resources; he was hard-working, thoughtful, and dedicated; and he was understanding and fair. He loved his family as much as his work, and was fortunate enough to strike a careful balance between both. I hope one day to be as good a person as he. Truly, it was an honor to know him, and a joy, though I am saddened by his passing, to remember him.
Jenny Rebecca Martin, M.A.
Wednesday, November 01, 2000 11:36 AM Subject: [ASNJ] Herbert C. Kraft
Dear Friends and Colleagues,It is with great regret and a heavy heart that I report the passing of Herbert C. Kraft.
Herb suffered a second stroke a few days ago and died peacefully at home last night.The viewing will be held Thursday, November 2 (7-9 pm) and Friday, November 3 (2-4 pmand 7-9 pm) at the Leonard Funeral Home, 240 West Jersey Street, Elizabeth (908-352-5331).
A Catholic mass will be held Saturday, November 4 (10 am) at the Holy Rosary,St. Michaels Roman Catholic Church, 52 Smith Street, Elizabeth (908-354-2454).
An obituary and related announcements will be published in the Star Ledger.
The family can be reached c/o
Joan Kraft
15 Raymond Terrace
Elizabeth, New Jersey 07208Anyone wanting further information can contact me at the following addresses:
732-985-4380 (office)
610-294-8260 (home)
hop@epix.netSincerely,
Charles A. Bello
Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2000 4:15 PMSubject: Re: Herbert C. Kraft
Dear Charles and Sebbie:I would be honored to be among those whose tributes to Herb Kraft will be included in the asnj website. He was very deserving of recognition during his lifetime -- even while he did not seek this for himself. Now that he is gone, it will be important to keep his memory alive for those who will not be privileged to know him, his work, and his wonderful ways as a scholar, colleague, mentor, friend, and teacher. I wish you good luck with this project and applaud you for initiating it.Yes, you may certainly use my remembrance on the website. I hope that it may bring some comfort to his family to know how I felt about him.Please let me know when it will be posted -- and send me the web address so I may access it.Harriet SepinwallCollege of Saint Elizabeth2 Convent RoadMorristown, NJ 07960hsepinwall@liza.st-elizabeth.eduIt is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Herb Kraft.He was a wonderful scholar and a gentle and kind colleague. As a young faculty
member teaching New Jersey history at another college, I was welcomed by Dr.
Kraft as a colleague and friend 20 years ago. He spoke at several programs
I organized on our campus. I remember how he inspired many of the teachers
at a program we did for the NJ Council for the Social Studies; some of the
teachers joined him that summer for an archaeological dig and came away with
new dedication to including study of New Jersey history into their
curriculum. He also came to our campus to speak to the students in my
course "American Culture Studies." Over the years, he served as mentor for
many of my students who went to see him at Seton Hall for the research and
curriculum projects they chose to do on the Lenape. His respect for
students was wonderful; he even acknowledged the assistance of one of my
students' curriculum work in one of his own books. He was always willing to
share his knowledge, insights, and expertise with others, and contributed in
very important ways to what we now know about the Lenape.I feel so fortunate to have met him early in my career at the College of
Saint Elizabeth and grateful to have known him as a colleague and friend
even while we did not see each other often enough. I will miss him.Harriet Sepinwall
From:Coboro@aol.comTo:hop@epix.netSent:Sunday, November 26, 2000 7:19 PMSubject:Re: Herbert C. KraftCharles,
Thank you for sharing the beautiful remembrance you wrote concerning Herb.
Although my acquaintance with Herb was brief in comparison to yours and many
others, the impact he had upon me will never be forgotten. Yes, it was his
example as a person and professional that leaves an indelible mark upon my
life. When you wrote,"example", it brought to mind what a Franciscan brother
once shared with me. It's an inscription that was scratched on the wall of
one of Rome's catacombs:Scripta manent, verba volunt, sed explica trahuntWritten things remain, words fly, but it's the example that drawsHerb's example indeed; we were drawn to it, now let us live it.
Tony DeCondo
To:hop@epix.netSent:Monday, November 27, 2000 8:57 AMSubject:Re: Herbert C. KraftDear Charles:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Herb and on your friendship. He will
be missed by even those of us who did not know him well but surely admired
him and consider his work so very important.Many thanks,
Joan GeismarProfessional Archaeologists of New York City
From: Perry BrettTo: Charles Bello & Sebbie BuhlerSent: Monday, November 27, 2000 12:29 PMSubject: HerbDear Chas,
Thanks for your remembrances and recording of your friendship with Herb.
He was a most unique person who did so much to encourage people to
study, record, and write about their artifacts and observations, and to care.
I experienced this when I did the Maurice River Shell Tool research.
Herb wanted to see evidence of edgewear. So off I went to the local
Community College Biology department to study and record demonstrated
edgewear.I learned much from Herb. His genuine concern and encouragement to
study specifically directed to the nonprofessional was and remains a
unique attribute. As a person and as a nonprofessional prehistorian
I have lost a friend and mentor as well.Chas, you well recognize the importance of interested, curious people
concerned with our prehistory/history. I ask you, based your long association
and friendship with Herb, who will now carry the torch?Who will inspire and lead in the spirit of Herbert C. Kraft?
I wonder if the loss of Herb is truly recognized by many?
I think about him a lot and find it difficult to realize he is
gone, that he has taken the starpath. I miss him.Perry Brett
From: Becker, Marshall J.To: 'Bello,Charles'Sent: Monday, November 27, 2000 2:35 PMSubject: Thanks for your memorial thoughts!Dear Charles - the most important thing we leave behind are our students!
Many thanks for writing up your thoughts and information on Herb.Best -
Marshall
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2000 7:07 PMSubject: Re: Herb Kraft publication prize
Chas,
The Herbert C. Kraft Publishing Award in New Jersey Archaeology sounds like a great tribute.
I would like to see it opened up to all students of archaeology, not those just in degree programs.
As you have so eloquently waxed in recent writings and the Lifetime Achievement Award,Herb was a champion of the rank and file and avocational enthusiasts.
Also, the theme or topic of the paper should be something that Herb would have embraced,but not necessarily limited to something so specific as Upper Delaware Valley Archaeology.I am thinking about this and looking forward to the January meeting when we can participate in a round-table
discussion on the matter.Jack Cresson
To: BelloSent:Thursday, November 30, 2000 10:42 PMSubject:Herb Kraft
Charles,
Thank you for sharing your moving eulogy about Herb Kraft. I had tears
in my eyes by the time I got to the end. It reminded me of the "Tuesdays
with Morrie" (I think that's the title) true story, portrayed by Jack
Lemmon on TV recently.I do remember Herb, first meeting him at a dinner at a friend's home in
Florham Park when he was speaking to the local historical society. The
hostess had asked me to make an arrangement for the dining table, so I
had grouped some of the artifacts my father had collected as a child up
along the Ramapo River. Herb looked at them politely, and then said that
they had lost all value (historical, not monetary) because they had not
been recorded "in situ".Later he gave a series of lectures up at Morris County College when I
was working as a teaching naturalist for the Morris County Park System.
They sent me to the series with a tape recorder, with Herb's permission
to tape, so I took notes and later transcribed the tapes. He certainly
sharpened my interest in NJ archeology, and I also remember that he was
just a nice guy, eager to share his knowledge.It's too bad that he never got to Alaska.As you wrote, Herb had a profound influence on your life and career,
both as a professional and as a friend. The best way for you to repay
his friendship is to take on another young person, the way he took you
under his wing, and pass on the love of archeology and the careful
scientific skills it requires.The personal relationship, aside from the professional one, is a bit
harder to pass on, but it is certainly something that you will treasure
for the rest of your life.I, too, have watched a good friend lose her battle with cancer.
I'm sure that there are many special little things that will remind you
of Herb Kraft for the rest of your life. Thanks again for sharing your
very moving article.Sincerely,
Pat WhitacreTinicum Township Historical Commission
----- Original Message ----- To: Charles Bello & Sebbie BuhlerSent: Thursday, December 14, 2000 1:54 PMSubject: Re: Herb KraftFirst the Delaware Valley lost John Cotter now we lost Herb Kraft. I feel a great loss in my heart as these were two very special people and mentors. Herb was always there to answer questions and encourage me when ever I called. He always found time in busy schedule and was always kind. When I asked him for a letter of recommendation to graduate school he was there (I didn't have ask twice). Every time I pick up his Lenape book I will be thinking of him in his university office surrounded by books and artifacts. It was his presentations to the Lower Delaware Valley chapter of the ASNJ in the 1970s on the work he conducted in the Delaware Water Gap that got me hooked on archaeology and has led me down my chosen career path. I owe a great deal to Hebert C. Kraft. I can only hope that some day I can contribute as much to archaeology as he did over the years.William B. LiebeknechtPrincipal InvestigatorHunter Research
From: Killeen, John J NAN02
Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2001 1:26 PM To: 'Luke1313@juno.com' Cc: 'hop@epx.net' Subject: Thanks Herb! > Charles, I would appreciate it if you would put this anecdote/memorial in the Herbert Kraft Memorial on the ASNJ website. Thanks. >
For the past 10 or so years, I have been in a developing working relationship with Herb Kraft. For example, I reviewed his revised and mightily expanded Lenape tome and he helped me through the maze of the administration at Seton Hall when I was teaching there. I am happy to say that I enjoyed many transactions with Herb over the past decade. During the past few years, Herb showed me what a truly good friend he was for a person to have. He had become concerned with the lack of communication from a colleague that he had been close with over the years. He had helped this colleague develop a career. Herb left messages and emails to no avail. Every time I saw Herb he would ask me if I had heard anything from or about this missing person. It was absolutely beyond Herb's comprehension that anyone could behave this way. He was very disappointed. The truly amazing thing was that he was still concerned about this person even after being ignored for so long. It made me realize what a truly good friend he was. I know that Herb will be missed by many, including myself. > John J. Killeen, Project Archaeologist CENAN-PL-EA New York District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 26 Federal Plaza New York, New York 10278 John.J.Killeen@nan02.usace.army.mil