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Visitors to the Historic Deerfield museum will have the opportunity to witness first hand the discovery of artifacts during an archaeological dig at the 1790s Barnard Tavern and Frary House on Main Street in Old Deerfield. The site will be open to the public Tuesday through Saturday starting July 19, 2005 and run through August 13, 2005 from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to the site is free. The dig is part of an ongoing collaboration between Historic Deerfield and the University of Massachusetts Amherst Summer Field School in Historical Archaeology that began more than 20 years ago. The program will also feature archaeology walking tours, a family Hands-on History day and opportunities to be part of the dig team. "Our collaboration with UMass is a win-win situation that benefits both the museum visitors and the University students," said Philip Zea, president of Historic Deerfield. "The objects unearthed will offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of the people who lived in and around the Barnard Tavern throughout its long existence. Our goal is to learn more about public life in early Deerfield." The field school, which is directed by Dr. Robert Paynter, will involve approximately 12 students from UMass. "We will be looking for information on three different topics," said Paynter. "First will be evidence of the original Frary House that was burned during the Indian raid of 1704, second will be clues related to the operation of the Barnard Tavern at the end of the 18th Century, and third will be an investigation into the landscape changes made at the turn of the 20th Century." The archaeological dig is one of the more popular summer programs at the museum. "Many visitors are very interested in the dig," said Claire Carlson, program coordinator at Historic Deerfield. "Young and old alike ask questions such as 'Why are you here? What are you looking for? How do you know what you find is 'real'?'" As part of the program, Paynter will offer free archaeological walking tours of Old Deerfield Village on the three consecutive Saturdays July 23, July 30 and August 6 at noon starting from Hall Tavern. In addition, Historic Deerfield will offer a Family Archaeology Day on Sunday July 31 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. as part of its ongoing Hands-on History program. There are also a limited number of volunteer opportunities that require pre-registration for anyone interested in helping to excavate and sift at the site or clean artifacts in the field lab. For more information contact Claire Carlson at (413) 775-7205 or by E-mail. Historic Deerfield is a nationally recognized museum located in Old Deerfield, Massachusetts. Visitors may tour 13 house museums, as well as view permanent and changing exhibitions at the Flynt Center of Early New England Life. Historic Deerfield also offers dining and lodging at the 19th century Deerfield Inn, and shopping at the Museum Store. Page created 7/19/05
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Pictured:
Visitors to Historic Deerfield look get up close and personal with archaeologists
from the UMass Field School during a dig at the Hinsdale and Anna Williams
House.