9th Annual Archaeology Festival
Location: Zwaanendael Museum, Lewes
May 24,2008 - May 25,2008
This year's festival will shine a spotlight on Avery's Rest, a Sussex County archaeological site containing the remains of a 17th century settlement owned by John Avery, a sea captain, justice of the peace, and judge. Activities will include programs on the Archaeological Society of Delaware's excavation of the site, information on how people can volunteer to help with the ongoing investigation, and a program that tells the story of Captain John Avery.
Other festival activities will include:
- Historic re-enactor Art Malestein who will portray Augustine Hermann, a 17ty century Chesapeake merchant (Saturday, May 24 only)
- Archaeological drawings and demonstrations by Sharyn Murray, an artist who has created detailed depictions of artifacts recovered from Avery's Rest and the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck
- A display of artifacts from the State of Delaware's archaeological collections. Individuals are encouraged to bring their own artifacts for evaluation by a professional archaeologist
- Hands-on archaeological excavation activities for children, 17th century games, and archaeological crafts
- Programs on the technology of archaeology from lithics, to diving equipment, to Global Positioning System (GPS)
- Demonstrations of sailor skills necessary for living on the water
- Display and program presented by an educator from the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation (Saturday, May 24 only). The Kalmar Nyckel was a 17th century ship that sailed from Sweden to the New World in 1638 leaving its passengers to establish the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley - the Colony of New Sweden in present-day Wilmington, Delaware.
- Exhibit on the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck, a British commercial ship that sank off Lewes' Roosevelt Inlet in the late 18th century.
Sunday, May 25: Noon - 3pm
Admission is free.
For more information, call 302-645-1148 or visit the Zwaanendael Museum Website
