Visit an active archaeological dig site

“In my own experience, I have been privileged enough to have visited an active archaeological site. Along with a small group from the Museum of the American Revolution, I was able to visit the excavation at Red Bank Battlefield in New Jersey. In the summer of 2022, at the end of a dig aimed at getting the public interested in and engaged with historical archaeology, a volunteer discovered a human femur. The dig, which was immediately closed to the public, eventually excavated the remains of at least 13 Hessian soldiers who were killed at Fort Mercer in 1777. I was there as a visitor and not as a participant, but we were lucky to be able to speak to Wade Catts, the head archaeologist on the dig, and Jen Janofsky, the historian at the site. Aside from the human remains, the trench turned mass grave was also full of material culture, including musket balls and coins. The way these soldiers died, and what they were and were not buried with, can tell historians a lot about the Battle of Red Bank and the American soldiers stationed there. I found the visit a little unsettling – I was very moved by seeing the remains of young men who died quite violently, and far from home. But the opportunity to visit an ongoing dig was incredibly valuable.”

“On the 6th day of our journey in Rome we visited Gabii, an old abandoned city currently being excavated. I have always been fascinated with archaeology and ancient cities. Seeing an active archaeological dig site was an inspiring and surreal experience. Being able to explore not only where the citizens of Gabii once lived, but also where archaeologists are currently working was so unique and exciting.”