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September 22, 2005
Archaeology Project to Dig in Lawnside
You don't have to go far for an archaeological dig. The Lawnside Historical Society is inviting up to 18 people to sign up for a free program, "Unearth Lawnside's Past" in October.
The dig will be led by Dr. Ian Burrow, vice president and principal archaeologist for Hunter Research Cultural Resource Consultants of Trenton. The project will start on Saturday, Oct. 8 at two properties along the Oak Avenue Redevelopment corridor recently designated by the borough. Four half-day sessions will follow on Oct. 10, 11, 12 and 13. Wesley and Gloria Reid of 18 Everett Avenue and Chuck and Deborah Butler of 503 Melrose Avenue are welcoming the shovel tests on their properties.
Linda Waller, president of the Society, said, "The sites are particularly interesting because of their location, which is threatened by development, and the fact that Mr. Reid found what appears to be a prehistoric broad axe years ago." She said she recalled finding arrowheads while playing in her backyard here as a child. "The area's history extends before the Underground Railroad to its first inhabitants, Indian people native to New Jersey. This is a perfect time and setting to investigate the past."
Dr. Burrow has more than 30 years experience as an archaeologist in both the private and public sector in his native England and here in the U.S. He was holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Exeter and a Ph.D. from the University of Birmingham, England. He is also an adjunct professor at Burlington County and Mercer County Community colleges. As vice president at Hunter Research, the former Haddonfield resident is the firm's principal archaeologist. He has written numerous articles covering Indian burials in New Jersey, the
Derewal prehistoric site in Hunterdon County and farm archaeology in the state.
The program is free. Adults are invited to participate as well as students who are at least 12 years old and have parental permission. For a registration form and more information, call the Society at 856-546-8850 or send e-mail to lhs@petermotthouse.org. Registration deadline is Oct. 1.
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