Archaeologist Tim Dinsmore will direct a phase I archaeological survey in the search for the 17th-century John Brown Jr. Homestead Site situated in the vicinity of Water Street in Damariscotta, Maine. Two week-long sessions are offered this year:

     Session #1: July 12-17, 2009
     Session #2: July 19-24, 2009

Application form in pdf format here.

Brown was the son of John Brown Sr. of Pemaquid / New Harbor who in 1625 allegedly purchased over 12,000-acres of land from the native peoples comprising much of the Bristol Peninsula and Damariscotta. The deed is believed to be an early (colonial) forgery but nevertheless many deed trans-actions and much uncertainty to ownership of lands by later settlers were based on this deed. John Brown Jr. was a planter who settled nearly opposite to Walter Phillips—Phillips having occupied a knoll on the west bank of the Damariscotta. During the outbreak of King Philip’s War in 1676, Brown, Phillips and four other settlers to the Damariscotta region fled never to return; their houses were burned and their improved lands reverted back to wilderness.

The goal of this archaeological survey will be to attempt to locate the Brown site and then excavate portions of the site to glean what frontier life was like in mid-coast Maine for these early settlers. Beside excavation of test pits, participants will also have the opportunity to study primary documents related to the site as well as wash artifacts excavated during the week. Locating the Brown site will add significantly to our growing understanding of 17th-century life in Maine. Participants will learn about the fundamental principles and rigors of archaeological research while helping contribute to this important project. Space is limited so sign up early.

Thanks to the fund established in memory of Helen Bassett Gurland by her sister Linda B. Johnson, the DRA is able to offer two scholarships of $200 each to support a local teacher and a student interested in attending the field school. Helen was an enthusiastic participant in our field school and her spirit, enthusiasm, and friendship lives on by making it possible to enjoy the excitement of an archeology dig. The Newcastle Historical Society has also provided scholarship assistance. Please inquire about limited scholarship availability by calling (207) 563-1393 or writing to us at dra@draclt.org.

Our archaeology field school enrollment form (pdf format) may be printed and mailed to the DRA office.