Mini Field School at Kittiewan, October 25-26, 2014

The land Kittiewan Plantation rests on was first mentioned in historic records as Konwan in 1618, when above the beautiful Kittiewan Creek.  The manor house is believed to have elements built between 1730-1780, based on information gleaned from the previous landowner and Colonial Williamsburg architects.  The manor was surrounded by several outbuildings including slave quarters, a kitchen, ice house, and a hospital/doctors office.  Nearby was an antebellum school house.  Owned by American Revolution physician Dr. William Rickman, many members of the Harrison family of Berkeley, and Dr.  William Selden, the house was modified several times, with the last major addition built prior to the Civil War. 

For the past several years, Kittiewan archaeologists have used the 1931 Shurcliff scaled map (attached) to guide excavations that confirmed the locations of the kitchen, dairy, ice house, and slave quarters northeast of the Manor House, and a utilitarian structure west of the Manor House.  These are now marked and interpreted to the public.  The two remaining buildings yet to be located are a smokehouse northeast of the Manor House, and a privy northwest of the Manor House.  In addition, the former smokehouse reportedly was moved to one of the tenant houses and is being used as a shed; verifying its original location could enable the relocation of this structure back to its original site.

The 2014 excavations will focus on smokehouse and privy areas.  Participants will assist in “ground-truthing” the 1931 Shurcliff scaled map of the property by excavating 5’ x 5’ units in targeted areas. 

Hours can be applied towards historic excavation, laboratory, and public outreach requirements for the Certification Program.

WHEN:

• October 25-26, 2014, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Field Directors, Martha Williams and Bruce Baker

WHERE:

• Kittiewan Plantation, southern Charles City County, between Richmond and Williamsburg.

·         Street Address:  12104 Weyanoke Road, Charles City, Virginia 23030

·         http://kittiewanplantation.org/

For further information and/or to register, contact Bruce Baker by October 1, 2014.