Unearthing the Past at Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site

Joel Dukes

Before Henry Wadsworth Longfellow moved into the yellow house on Brattle Street in Cambridge, MA, it was already historic, having served as the home and headquarters for General George Washington in 1775-1776. In anticipation of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the NPS Northeast Archeological Resources Program conducted archeological excavations in front of the home. Excavations in 2022 uncovered elements from an 18th century formal garden and the foundation of an early colonial house. This presentation will discuss the results of the excavations and the unique combination of technology, methodology, and outreach that were used to address research questions, and share the project with the public.

[tundakyat]

I'm a descendant of one John Vassell's enslaved Africans from Jamaica. My last name is Vassell. Very interesting tale. As Jamaicans we had no clue that we are some connected to American history.