Archaeology in the Cellar

Archaeology Technician Grace S. uses a Munsell Color book to document the colors of the soil in the Mansion cellar. The late-1770s drain is visible on the left.

If you haven’t seen the Archaeology team outside recently, that’s because they have moved inside!

As part of the ongoing multi-year Mansion Revitalization Project, the team is currently excavating and documenting the entire cellar, learning more every day about its 18th-century infrastructure and its evolution over time.

Below, see the team hard at work, documenting and excavating a variety of features in the cellar.

Project Archaeologist Alex takes measurements for a scale drawing of the brick flooring in the Mansion cellar. Next, the bricks will be removed so the area can be excavated. (MVLA)

Archaeology Technician Olivia documents a posthole feature next to the drywell (protective wood housing on the left) in the Mansion cellar. (MVLA)

Archaeology Technicians Kyle and Grace G. clean the remains of the 1758 partition wall removed by George Washington. The partially excavated late-1770s drain is visible in the foreground. (MVLA)

Archaeology Technicians Grace G, Grace S, and Kyle work on a scale drawing with the late-1770s drain to the right. (MVLA)

Learn More About the Mansion Revitalization Project