DAMARISCOTTA — The grounds of Lincoln County Historical Association’s Chapman-Hall House museum in Damariscotta will be the site of an archaeological investigation during the first two weeks of September. Historical Archaeologist Tim Dinsmore of Midcoast Archaeology will direct the research of the site surrounding the 1754 house.

The primary goal of the project is to sample the grounds around Chapman-Hall House through a controlled archaeological dig to enhance the knowledge of material objects used in the house throughout history.

“An authentic setting within the house museum is important in telling the stories of the Chapman and Hall families who lived in the house,” said Lincoln County Historical Association, in a news release. “Findings from this project may lead to updated interpretative material displayed in the house that accurately depicts the belongings of these two families. In addition, the results of the archaeological dig will be showcased in an exhibit.”

A second objective will be to determine whether the purported 1754 date for the beginning occupancy of the house is accurate. Primary records documenting the date for the construction of the house are nonextant and the resulting date is derived from oral tradition, according to LCHA. If a mid-18th century construction date for the Chapman-Hall House is accurate then certain artifacts should be revealed in the upcoming archaeological work. Everyday wares—particularly ceramics—are temporally diagnostic and will aid in making a determination as to the construction date.

An equally important aspect of the Chapman-Hall House Archaeology Project is to welcome the community to observe the work and to learn the important role archaeology can play in interpreting the everyday lives of past peoples—in this case, the daily lives of the Chapman and Hall families, according to LCHA.

The project will run from September 1 through the 11th and is being sponsored by the Lincoln County Historical Association.

Lincoln County Historical Association is a non-profit organization that provides stewardship for the 1754 Chapman-Hall House in Damariscotta, the 1761 Pownalborough Court House in Dresden, and the 1811 Old Jail and Museum in Wiscasset.  For more information, please visit www.lincolncountyhistory.org, Facebook at Lincoln County Historical Association (Maine) or Pownalborough Court House Museum.