From the State Archaeologist

Recent archaeological investigations at the Fairbanks House in Dedham are featured on the cover of this year’s Calendar of Events and Archaeology Month poster. Archaeologists have always had a keen interest in the early Colonial period of the New World, and, especially in Massachusetts. The Fairbanks House was constructed in 1641 and is the oldest wood timber-frame house still standing in America. Eight generations of the Fairbanks family continuously occupied the house until the early 20th century. It is now a historic house museum and is open annually from May 1- October 31. The recent archaeological investigations at the Fairbanks House uncovered many interesting artifacts and features. To learn more about archaeological features and the feature discovered at this excavation at the Fairbanks House, be sure to turn to the last two pages of this calendar.

The events that feature the past in this year’s Archaeology Month Calendar will give you many opportunities to learn more about archaeology—we hope that you enjoy them.

Brona Simon
State Archaeologist

Many thanks to:

Thomas M. Blazej, Director of Graphic Communications, Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Samantha Withers, Graphic Communications, Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Jeff Surette, Graphic Communications, Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Corolette Goodwin, Director, Central Services, Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Jennifer Poulsen, Archaeological Collections Manager, MHC