UMass Boston archaeologists lead dig around historic Babson-Alling House on CAM Green
Public can see work in progress: October 25, 26, and 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHAT: In late October, archaeologists from the Fiske Center for Archaeological Research at University of Massachusetts Bostonwill excavate the land around a free-standing outhouse at the Babson-Alling House on Cape Ann Museum Green (CAM Green) to help uncover new information about the history of the house and the site. The Georgian house was built by William Allen in 1740 and acquired by the Cape Ann Museum in 2019. The excavations on October 25, 26, and 31 are open to the public. Media is also invited to attend.
The findings from the archeological dig will be discussed on November 23 at 3:30 p.m., as part of the CAMTalk: History Series. The talk, Babson House Archeological Dig, with Christa Beranek and Laura Paisley of the Fiske Center for Archaeological Research at UMass Boston, will present a first look at the excavation results and discuss how archaeology can be used to document and interpret historic houses.
WHEN: October 25, 26, and 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: CAM Green, 13 Poplar St., Gloucester, MA.
Free admission and parking. Due to limited parking, timed vehicle reservations are required via this link.
WHY: The Babson-Alling House has long been a landmark upon entering Gloucester and Cape Ann. The house, which overlooks the Grant Circle rotary off RT128 and was first owned by the Allen family, came into the ownership of the Babson family in the early 1800s. In acquiring the house in 2019, the Cape Ann Museum is partway through a multi-phase project to stabilize the house and the adjacent outhouse. The Museum is undertaking this archaeological exploration to learn more about the history and evolution of the site. Materials found during the dig will also help the Museum as it lays plans for interpretation of these structures that are part of the CAM Green campus.
Good Morning Gloucester 