The 2014 Damariscotta River Association’s (DRA) Archaeology Field School will focus on the Elisha Hatch Homestead site located off River Road in Newcastle. The school runs for two weeks this July (July 6-11 and July 13-18). The site marks the third and final leg of historical archaeologist Tim Dinsmore's investigation into the 18th-century Barstow-Bryant shipbuilding complex.  Dinsmore will direct field school participants in the partial excavation of the Hatch Homestead site with the aim being to define the structural layout of the site. 

Participants will have the opportunity to excavate an area believed to be the location of Hatch's blacksmith shop located approximately 150 feet from the homestead site.  Hatch eventually moved to Bristol and shipwright Nathaniel Bryant II is believed to have occupied the Hatch homestead from 1790-1803. Bryant launched at least a couple sailing vessels from his father's shipyard before relocating to the Damariscotta Mills. 

This is a rare opportunity for field school participants to help excavate a site associated with the first years of the shipbuilding industry along the Damariscotta--an industry that flourished throughout much of the 19th century.  The site is virtually untouched since the 18th century and the excavation will afford a detailed glimpse into the daily lives of 18th-century shipwrights and blacksmiths.  Artifacts of both a domestic and industrial nature (blacksmithing and shipbuilding) are anticipated.

Participants will attain basic field methodology skills by helping excavate sections of this important site. By joining the field school they will help contribute to an important chapter in the maritime history of the Damariscotta River region, while learning the rigors and fundamental principles of archaeology in the mid-coast of Maine. 

Participants need to register prior to attending the field school and a $100 fee is required  to hold your position.  It is recommended to register soon as this very popular program fills quickly.  The minimum age to attend is 14 and past field school sessions have included high school age students, college students (majoring in anthropology, history, American studies, material culture and museum studies, etc.), and retirees who have always wanted to participate in a professional archaeological dig.  Experience among participants in past years has ranged from first timers to seasoned excavators to up and coming archaeologists. 

Field School Session costs are $350 for one week. A discount of $25 per week is offered to DRA members. The two week session costs $550. Partial scholarships are available to teachers and students through the "Helen Gurland Scholarship Fund." Note that room and board are not included. For additional information on the field school and to download a registration form visit http://damariscottariver.org/Archaeology.html or contact the DRA at 207-563-1393, dra@damariscottariver.org.  

The Damariscotta River Association is a non-profit membership supported organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of the Damariscotta River, its watershed, and adjacent areas for the benefit of all. Visitors are welcome at the Great Salt Bay Heritage Center in Damariscotta as well as the many other DRA properties throughout the region. DRA has active programs in the areas of land conservation, stewardship, community education, water quality monitoring, marine conservation and cultural preservation. For more information call 207- 563-1393, email dra@damariscottariver.org, or view their web page at www.damariscottariver.org.