It’s spring, and while many people think of gardening, archaeologists think of excavating. It takes about a week to prepare the archaeological site at Colonial Michilimackinac for the season. Water-logged bales of straw need to be removed from the excavated area, followed by the plastic sheeting lining the floor and edges of the site. The grid needs to be re-strung. The water screening stations and hoses need to be brought out to the site. Consumable supplies, such as artifact vials and bags, map and record sheets, and pens and pencils need to be re-stocked.
In 2025 excavation will continue on House E of the Southeast Rowhouse. This house was always inhabited by fur trading households. In the French era the house was owned by Charles Gonneville. In the British era, it was owned by an as-yet-unknown English trader. This season efforts will focus on the north wall of the house and the central cellar.
Site preparation began May 23. The floor of the excavation held up well over the winter. The sandy north wall of the excavation slumped quite a bit. Removing and sifting that dirt is part of the season opening process too. The majority of the crew will start June 2. After a day of orientation, the field season will start in earnest on June 3. Archaeologists will be on site every day, weather permitting, through August 23. Watching the excavation and talking to the archaeologists is included with admission to Colonial Michilimackinac.
