Alexandria Archaeology Museum: History in Your Neighborhood
There's history under the ground right here in Alexandria, Virginia and on display at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. Much of it may come from the Revolutionary War and colonial times, but it can date back even further. All you need to do is dig it out, examine it, which is what the archaeologists of the Alexandria Archaeology Musuem do before putting it on display for the public to see.
The museum is involved in several projects around the area, including preservation efforts of historic sites such as forts and plantations. The main exhibit in the museum focuses on Lee Street, a site in which archaeologists dug and studied the history of Alexandria from the findings at this particular site. There is also the Green Furniture Factory, which burned down in 1827, where archaeological digs have uncovered pieces of furniture, tools, ceramics and other household items affected by the fire.
Other digs have uncovered an old backyard trash pit, which shows items used in daily living of that time period, such as toys, a baby bottle and dishes. Items like a drumstick brought about the study of drummer boys from the Civil War. Other important items include a loaded musket and a dog skeleton, which gave insight to dogs as household pets in the 19th century. The oldest artifact uncovered by the Alexandria Archaeology Museum is a Clovis Point, a 13,000-year-old stone tool, indicating prehistoric living in the area existed.
While the artifacts of the area can be fascinating, it's the learning and hands-on programs that are the real take-away from this museum. Volunteers are welcome and people are encouraged to participate and work alongside them. The museum offers workshops for adults and families. Such hands-on programs include Family Dig Days, where families help excavate at Shuter's Hill by examining soil for artifacts. Children can learn to piece together a broken plate the way archeologists try to put together pieces of artifacts. Adult programs through the Alexandria Archaeology Institute teach about excavation techniques and methods and how to gather, organize and interpret artifacts.
Posted on May 7, 2011 by Rin-rin Yu
