2012 Sessions

Session #1: Introduction: Sunday, July 15th
Field Work: July 16-20

Session #2: Introduction: Sunday, July 22nd
Field Work: July 23-27

The Bryant-Barker Tavern site shown above is adjacent to the Hatch site where the 2012 field school will take place.

Archaeological Investigation of the 18th-Century Hatch Homestead & Blacksmith Shop Site — Newcastle, Maine ...

Archaeologist Tim Dinsmore will direct this year's field school in the excavation of the 18th-century Hatch Homestead and Blacksmith Shop site situated along the west bank of the upper Damariscotta River in Newcastle, Maine. Hatch did the smithy work for shipbuilders George Barstow and Nathaniel Bryant for some of the earliest vessels constructed upon the Damariscotta. The Hatch site marks the third and final leg of Dinsmore's investigation into the 18th-century Barstow & Bryant shipbuilding complex.

The objective for the 2012 field season is to partially excavate and define the structural layout of the Hatch Homestead site and to test areas believed to be the location of Hatch's blacksmith shop. This is a rare and unique opportunity for participants to help excavate a site associated with the first years of the shipbuilding industry on the Damariscotta. The excavation of the site, virtually untouched since the 18th century, will afford a detailed glimpse into the daily lives of colonial shipwrights and blacksmiths.

Participants will attain the fundamental principles and rigors of archaeological research while helping contribute to this important project. The project has been a favorite of undergraduate and graduate college students, high school students, teachers and retirees. Space is limited so sign up early.

Download the registration form in pdf format, and mail it back to the DRA Office. Please note that a deposit is required with your registration in order to reserve your space. If you are unable to download or print the form, please call the DRA office at (207) 563-1393.

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