In 1694,the signing of of the Declaration of Independence was still 80 years away. George Washington had not yet been born. But commerce in the New World of America was in full swing. That is the year that Fairfield Plantation manor house was completed.A fire destroyed the historic property in 1897.
In 2000, a dedicated group of archaeologists began working to uncover and preserve this important part of America's history.
The purpose of the Fairfield Foundation is to excavate
and preserve the remains of the plantation and to educate and
involve the public in this endeavor. Residents and guests can actually participate in the investigation, interpretation and preservation of the site.
Research at Fairfield is contributing significantly to current knowledge about plantation life, specifically during Gloucester County's "Golden Age" of 1675-1725, which coincides with the height of Fairfield's prosperity.
In addition to excavating and preserving artifacts from the site, the Foundation seeks to preserve the site itself so that future generations with more sophisticated technologies can continue the exploration.
Check out their Women's Exhibit online to get a feel for the other work they do.
If you'd like to be a hands-on archaeologist and learn how to properly identify, excavate and preserve historic remains, please contact the Foundation. They'd love to have you over for a dig or just to sit around the table washing artifacts while learning about history.
If you're a history buff and want to help fund the Foundation's work, you can donate as well.
As you're driving around your city this week and look at the historic buildings someone else has preserved for you, perhaps you can think of a way to help save them for the next generation as well.
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