Westport (Massachusetts) History

Archaeology Day at the Handy House

202 Hix Bridge Road Westport MA 02790
11 AM – 3 PM Saturday January 28 2012

The Westport Historical Society invites you to observe and, if you wish, to participate in the first below ground archeological investigation at the Handy House. As the Westport Historical Society prepares to embark on stabilization of the building, this excavation will provide significant information about the occupants and evolution of the Handy House property. What lies beneath the ground at this property is unknown. This is the community’s opportunity to discover history firsthand and to view some of the artifacts found during the dig!

Why have an archaeological dig in January?

The mild winter of 2012 has provided an exciting opportunity for the historical society. The dig is an essential first step in the preservation plan for the property. One of the highest priority needs for stabilization of the building, will involve excavating around portions of the foundation. The purpose of this dig is to locate any potentially significant archaeological deposits that may be adversely affected by this work. This will allow the Society to proceed with stabilization in the spring.

All artifacts will be processed and catalogued at the newly set up Archaeology Laboratory located at 803 Main Road, and will become part of the Westport Historical Society’s collection.

Project archaeologist Tom Mailhot will be on hand to provide information and guidance. A graduate of the Historical Archaeology program, UMass Boston, Tom Mailhot is now an independent archaeological consultant. He has been principal archaeologist in numerous digs in the Massachusetts and New Hampshire regions, with professional interests in New England farmsteads and pre-contact archaeology of New England.

Dress warmly and bring a trowel, gloves and a kneeling pad if you wish to dig.
Hot beverages and shelter will be available! Children are welcome.
Parking is available off Drift Road. Please contact the Westport Historical Society for information on handicapped accessible parking.
Please note that there are no public restrooms at the Handy House.

This event will be postponed in the event of heavy snowfall or rain or if the ground is frozen. Updates will be posted on the Westport Historical Society website www.westporthistory.com or please call the Society at 508 636 6011.