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 The Humphrey & Lucy 
Chadbourne Archaeology Site

2007 marks the thirteenth season of excavation at the Chadbourne Site (ca. 1643-1690) in South Berwick, Maine.  This project of the Old Berwick Historical Society and the Chadbourne Family Association is directed by Emerson W. Baker, Ph.D., Professor of History at Salem State College. Since the site was discovered in 1995 every summer a team of archaeologists and volunteers return to work on the well-preserved remains of this early homestead.


 logo based on an excavated seal
Excavation dates for 2007:
Excavation: August 7-11, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
                  
August 14-18, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Laboratory: August 21-25, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

See artifacts from the site
See site plans and photos
Read a site report
Educational Resources 
Chadbourne Dig Humor
Volunteer Information

You may want to visit these web sites:
Old Berwick Historical Society
Chadbourne Family Association


1665 map detail

The dig has uncovered invaluable archaeological information about life for the first generation of English settlers in southern Maine. It has also been a successful education program. Every year between 60 and seventy volunteers participate in the dig. In addition, people continue to learn about the project through on-going lectures, and an exhibit at Old Berwick Historical Society's Counting House Museum.  
Built sometime after Humphrey Chadbourne Sr. purchased the land from the local Native Americans in 1643, and apparently destroyed in 1690 during King William's War,  the site is archaeological "time capsule."   It presents a complete and well-preserved record of life in Maine in the late 1600s. The fact that the Chadbournes were one of the wealthiest families in the colony means that they left many objects behind for archaeologists..
  To date over 30,000 artifacts have been    recovered. These broken bits of the past have no monetary value, but they are truly priceless to archaeologists for they tell us about everyday life in early Maine. Most are every-day sort of items such as hand-forged nails, window glass, bits of stew bones, or stems from clay pipe stems. Buttons, a spur, an ax blade, a hammer head, part of a saw blade, a chisel and other tools all reveal details of daily life for the Chadbournes.
"HL C" engraved spoon  for Humphrey and Lucy Chadbourne.
 

Volunteer Information 
Although there is a great deal of romance associated with archaeology, most work on a dig is physically taxing, and can be quite boring and monotonous. You should wear comfortable clothing, with sneakers or work boots. Multiple layers of clothing work best, so you can add or subtract as the weather changes.  Be sure to pick clothing and shoes that you do not mind getting quite dirty. You may want to consider some rain gear, though we will seek shelter during a solid rain. All tools for digging will be supplied, however, a hat, sun block, and mosquito repellent may also be helpful. You may want to bring a kneeling pad, if it bothers you to work on your knees. Many people want to own their own digging trowel. If you choose to do so, there is only one brand to get - virtually all professional archaeologists use a Marshalltown 5" point trowel. They are generally available at better quality hardware stores, or masonry supply stores.  You are also likely to get ticks, so keep your eyes open!  Bring lunch and any snacks you want with you, in a cooler. You will also want to bring a cooler of water with you. Please note that all volunteers are required to sign a waiver of liability before they may participate. If you are a minor, then a parent or guardian must sign for you. All volunteers are also asked to join the Old Berwick Historical Society, if they are not already members. If you would like to volunteer, please e-mail Project Director Emerson Baker at: address


back to Emerson Baker's Home Page    | back to History Department Home Page
back to Salem State College Home Page

 





























  To date over 30,000 artifacts have been    recovered. These broken bits of the past have no monetary value, but they are truly priceless to archaeologists for they tell us about everyday life in early Maine. Most are every-day sort of items such as hand-forged nails, window glass, bits of stew bones, or stems from clay pipe stems. Buttons, a spur, an ax blade, a hammer head, part of a saw blade, a chisel and other tools all reveal details of daily life for the Chadbournes.
"HL C" engraved spoon  for Humphrey and Lucy Chadbourne.
 









ARCHAEOLOGY
Information on the following archaeology sites is currently included in Virtual Norumbega.
More sites will be added in the future, as time permits.

Chadbourne Site, ca.  1643-1690, South Berwick, Maine

Lewis Bean Site, ca. 1695-1757, York, Maine
Shepard Site, ca. 1679-1770, Kittery, Maine
Phips Site, ca. 1639-1676, Woolwich, Maine

Hitchcock Site, ca. 1636-1690, Biddeford Pool,  Maine


Sites that will be added in the future:

Point Christian Manor, ca. 1634-1643, York, Maine
Hilton Site, ca. 1635-1710, Newfields, New Hampshire
Clarke & Lake Company, ca. 1654-1676, Arrowsic, Maine
Sagadahoc Island, ca. 1650-1690, Maine