Second Meeting House Site Archaeological Dig

The Society will embark on an exciting new project in October of 2008—the archaeological testing of the Second Meeting House site on Chestnut Street. 

Recently joining this effort is the First Parish Church’s 375^th Anniversary Committee.  The members of the Duxbury First Parish have a vested interest in the project as it pertains to the history of their congregation.  The Church will underwrite ground penetration radar mapping, the first phase of the project, which could locate remnants of the second church’s foundation (and possibly other artifacts) before any digging is even commenced.  The Society is most grateful to the First Parish Church for their generous support of the project.

The dig will be overseen by certified archaeologist Craig Chartier.  Mr. Chartier’s main goals are to identify any evidence of a structure ever being present on the site and to date the period(s) of occupation.

The conventional wisdom regarding the site’s history is that the First Meeting House (which was built around 1637 and stood within the present bounds of the Chestnut Street cemetery) was replaced by a Second Meeting House just to the east of the cemetery around 1706.  This building was the center of Duxbury affairs, both religious and secular, for nearly 80 years until it was, in turn, replaced by a Third Meeting House built in 1785 on Tremont Street.  The Second Meeting House was then taken down around 1785.  The DRHS has owned the site since 1937.

The site could hold a tremendous amount of historical information and, possibly, artifacts as well.  If traces of the Second Meeting House can be located, the discovery could add much to our understanding of early 18^th century public buildings.  And, with nearly 80 years of coming and going, there is considerable potential for the discovery of artifacts.

The project will not be a full excavation but a “testing procedure” consisting of two, long and narrow trenches dug across the property in an attempt to locate the Second Meeting House foundation.  Several small pits will also be dug near Chestnut Street, a road in use for more than 370 years, in an attempt to locate artifacts.

The Society is eagerly seeking volunteers for the project.  Many have already signed up.  Participation does not require any prior experience.  The digging will take place over the course of two weeks from October 6 to 18.  Volunteers may participate at any level they prefer—one hour or several afternoons! 

Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to contact the Society at aarnold@duxburyhistory.org or 781-934-6106.

Copyright Duxbury Rural and Historical Society 2001-2010