We have passed the midpoint of the 2026 archaeology field season at Michilimackinac, so it is time for an update.
As usual, the central cellar continues to yield interesting artifacts. The most recent one was a fragmentary brass button crown. It is approximately ¾” in diameter. The lattice pattern would have revealed another material, probably cloth, underneath. This is yet another example of the ornate personal adornment items recovered from this house.
Another recurring piece of evidence of wealth at this house is the presence of bones from domesticated animals. This season we have excavated the jawbone from a small pig and many fragments of eggshell. One of the highlights of last season was a beaver tooth, evidence of the fur trade. This season we have found a beaver leg bone and a sawed-off jawbone from another fur-bearing animal, either an otter or a badger.
The most unusual artifact found so far this season was a small piece of metallic textile. Textiles rarely survive in the soil conditions at Michilimackinac. This fragment had fine copper or brass wire incorporated into the weave and the copper salts preserved the fabric. It is about 1” wide and probably was used as decorative trim on a garment. It came from the area between the north wall of the house and the central cellar.
Excavation takes place in the middle of Colonial Michilimackinac and watching the progress of the project is included with admission to the site. Archaeologists will be on site every day, weather permitting, through August 22.
Posted July 27, 2026
By Dr. Lynn Evans, Curator of Archaeology
