Pupils join archaeological experts and volunteers to learn more about island’s past
An archaeological dig aims to shed light on the history of enslaved Bermudians who lived and worked in St George’s.
The Bermuda National Trust has joined forces with the University of Rochester, based in western New York state, for a combined research project at the Globe museum to better understand the island’s history and World Heritage Site.
A team of staff, students and volunteers led by Michael Jarvis is doing targeted archaeological testing in cellar rooms.
The dig underneath parts of flagstone floors could provide answers to several historical and architectural questions about the building and BNT museum on King’s Square.
Diana Chudleigh, a BNT author, and fellow researchers are working on a book called History of a House about the Globe museum, which the excavations will inform.
The dig will also help to shape future excavations of the museum – a pivotal part of the historic town and a known site of enslavement.
Anna Stevenson, BNT’s heritage education co-ordinator, has partnered with the Ministry of Education to present an overview of archaeology at school assemblies this week.
Primary schools in the east and all middle schools will later visit the dig.
Field trips to the Globe museum and surrounding World Heritage Site will feature live tours, dig demonstrations and practical lessons.
Charlotte Andrews, the BNT’s head of cultural heritage, said: “This week’s dig at Globe brings trained teams together with local volunteers and schools to unearth new discoveries about the outstanding universal value of our World Heritage Site and Bermuda’s past.
“It’s a chance to ignite heritage imaginations and part of our ongoing work to collaboratively and sensitively reimagine sites of enslavement that the trust manages across Bermuda.”
The BNT Archaeological Research Committee is inviting the public to visit the dig this Friday and Saturday between 11am and 2pm.
Dr Jarvis is looking for volunteers to help process finds this week.
A BNT spokeswoman said: “This is an opportunity for locals interested in archaeology to learn more about the field and play a role in researching Bermuda’s past.”
For more information, and to read the Globe research proposal, visit the Globe excavations page under archaeology on bnt.bm.
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