Professor and author Michael Jarvis is to give an update on the University of Rochester Archaeology Field School’s work on Smith’s Island where investigations continue into its early inhabitation in St George’s Harbour.

Mr Jarvis, whose dig is sponsored by the Bermuda National Trust, will be speaking tonight at 7pm at the St George’s Heritage Centre on Penno’s Wharf.

He is the author of Bermuda history book In the Eye of All Trade and a leading expert on Bermuda history and buildings, has been conducting archaeological field schools at Smith’s Island since 2010 — exploring remnants of settlements dating back to 1610 when survivors of the Sea Venture wreck were left in Bermuda.

He will speak on the most recent digs on the island, including progress on the 2017 Field School. This work includes: Completing the excavation of the artefact-rich cistern and finding a hypothesised main house; greatly expanding the uncovering of the Smallpox Bay site to map what is believed to be Governor Richard Moore’s brief 1612 town; and making maps and preliminary assessments of two new promising sites at the West End.

Tickets for the talk are $20 for BNT and St George’s Foundation members and $25 for non-members. Children and students may attend for $10.

Those interested in the Smith’s Island dig will also get a chance to see the dig itself with a boat trip on Saturday, July 22. The boat will leave St George’s at 2pm.

A maximum of 40 people will spend the afternoon exploring the island with Mr Jarvis.

Tickets for the boat trip are $30 for BNT and SGF members and $35 for non-members. Children and students may attend for $10.

Tickets can be obtained by calling 236-6483 or e-mailing rshastri@bnt.bm.