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Makemie Park Archaeology Project

Makemie Park Archaeology Dig 2013


In 2013 and 2014 Makemie Park was the site of archaeological digs utilizing procedures of the same calibre as what was used to investigate places like Jamestown. Many believe this site was the home of Francis Makemie and with digs such as these, the Francis Makemie Society hopes to prove the date of the structure and if this is truly the home of Francis. 1

On the Society website, one can view several slideshows featuring images of their finds. They have thus far unearthed "colonial period thin 'aqua' window glass, hand forged nails, pottery shards, glazed earthenware, glazed tiles, clay pipes, metal buttons and buckles, a black powder gun trigger and assembly and early colonial key and lock parts."2

According to Dr. Jason Borroughs, most of what's been unearthed dates to the 18th century, which suggests the residence was in operation up to the time of the American Revolution.3 This is well past 1708 when Francis in to known to have died.

When you start looking closer, you'll see the brick structure of the basement and even a root cellar in these images. The study has revealed two brick structures, but it is not clear yet if these represent one larger building, or one that was expanded.3

The Francis Makemie Society has a project page with several slideshows featuring many, many images from the multiple digs. These are well worth viewing.

If you ever want to see these discoveries in person, we can all do so now at Ker Place in Onacock, Virginia. Ker Place is the home of the Historical Society of the Eastern Shore. Not only can we view the finds from the assorted digs, but this also where a beam from the Makemie home at Machatank is housed. The beam was donated by the current owners of the Machatank Plantation in 2014 after the abandoned house was demolished. It's described as 6 inches square and over 18 feet long. "This 17th century Chestnut wood mortised and tenoned and 'chamfered' beam supported a wall in the home of The Reverend Francis Makemie and his wife, Naomi, on Machatank Creek, south of Onacock, Virginia."4



Note: Above photograph originally published on the Francis Makemie Society website, the Archeology Project page slideshow, 2013.


Sources

Created 29 October 2016