Archaeological Dig in Our Own Backyard
This past weekend something very special happened in the museum’s backyard – a real, bona fide, archaeological dig. Recently there’s been a wonderful addition to the Museum’s Board of Trustees, a real archaeologist. Jo-Ann McLean is that archaeologist and the first thing she did was organize an archaeological dig in our backyard.
Most of you know that we are planning to add an archival building onto the whaleboat shop in our backyard. Jo-Ann recommended that a dig happen in that space before building begins. She believes any property in Sag Harbor that has basically been undisturbed by building and rebuilding over the years, should conduct such research before disturbing the history that could be “beneath our feet”.
Saturday and Sunday found four very enthusiastic Pierson High School students and several trustees learning the proper techniques and disciplines to follow when conducting an archaeological dig. The fruits of their labor produced several very old, hand-made nails, some porcelain and pieces of a porcelain doll’s head, and sherds of old pottery, all of which have been properly catalogued, awaiting further identification.
This was a rewarding endeavor for everyone involved and anyone interested in Sag Harbor’s history and how to discover more of it. Another dig in a different location on the Museum property will be planned for the fall.
