Archaeologist Tim Dinsmore will direct his final year of research on the 18th century Bryant-Barker Tavern site located along the west bank of the Damariscotta River in Newcastle. There will be three one-week sessions beginning July 13, 2008.

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. More information is contained on the enrollment form (see below).

During the past ten years, field school participants have helped search for the tavern site by excavating test units across two properties overlooking the Damariscotta.  In 2001 the exact location of the tavern site was dis-covered and with it a profusion of artifacts dating to the period. The site, once home to shipwright Nathaniel Bryant and family, also served as a public tavern that was, “much resorted to by travelers.” The site is significant in that it – along with the Hale site or George Barstow homestead site – mark the birthplace of the shipbuilding industry along the upper Damariscotta — an industry that flourished well into the 19th-century. The continued and final excavation of the site will afford a detailed glimpse into the everyday lives of 18th-century shipwrights and their families.

The objective for the 2008 field season will be to continue defining the outer walls to the structure and perhaps locate the elusive chimney base and hearth. Excavation will also be conducted in the tavern cellar – parts of which have been previously excavated and have revealed insights into the material culture of the time. An enrollment form is available here which you can print out and mail or fax to the DRA office. There is some scholarship assistance available as described on the enrollment form. When you close that form, you will be returned here, on the DRA web site.