Furnace Town Living Heritage Museum
History. Heritage. Artistry. Nature. Fun.
Featured Artifact
Pubic Dig Schedule
Ivory Domino
Many archaeology digs have taken place at Furnace Town to try to tell us how people lived in the 1830s and 1840s. Dig sites have included the Manor House, General Store, brick ovens and other sites near the location where our present church rests.
Artifacts, anything made or used by people, give us the story of Furnace Town. We can read about how the furnace operated or learn about the different trades here, but to examine a piece of history puts a human face on the era. We can see the pieces of pottery found here and gain a sense of the economy (the fancier the pottery, the more well to do people were). We can look at a domino and know the games that children played. We can examine some of the tool fragments and see what work might have been done in and around the furnace and in the village. All of these make up the broader picture of day to day life at Nassawango Hills.
In addition there are the Native American pieces that have been found. While it is not believed that any of the tribes lived at what is now Furnace Town, the area was know to be hunting grounds for the Askinemeconson. More research is being conducted on the relationship between the Native Americans and Furnace Town.
Artifacts, anything made or used by people, give us the story of Furnace Town. We can read about how the furnace operated or learn about the different trades here, but to examine a piece of history puts a human face on the era. We can see the pieces of pottery found here and gain a sense of the economy (the fancier the pottery, the more well to do people were). We can look at a domino and know the games that children played. We can examine some of the tool fragments and see what work might have been done in and around the furnace and in the village. All of these make up the broader picture of day to day life at Nassawango Hills.
In addition there are the Native American pieces that have been found. While it is not believed that any of the tribes lived at what is now Furnace Town, the area was know to be hunting grounds for the Askinemeconson. More research is being conducted on the relationship between the Native Americans and Furnace Town.
Public Digs
A public archaeology program is offered at Furnace Town. The dig is located on the site of an early 19th century Bake Shop, where a community oven baked loaves prepared by families. In 2007 we opened the third pit in this area. Earlier finds include a variety of ceramics, stoneware, building materials (nails, brick, mortar, plaster, window glass), hinges and bottle glass.The program is open to individuals, families and groups.
Each dig begins with orientation promptly at 1 p.m. and lasts until between 3 :30 and 4 p.m.. Children under the age of 6 must work with an adult. All equipment will be supplied by Furnace Town.
This public archaeology program is intended for individuals and families. School, scout, youth or other groups are encouraged to make a special date to dig by contacting Furnace at 410-632-2032. Space for each dig is limited to about 13 people.
Each dig begins with orientation promptly at 1 p.m. and lasts until between 3 :30 and 4 p.m.. Children under the age of 6 must work with an adult. All equipment will be supplied by Furnace Town.
This public archaeology program is intended for individuals and families. School, scout, youth or other groups are encouraged to make a special date to dig by contacting Furnace at 410-632-2032. Space for each dig is limited to about 13 people.
Scheduled Dates
Saturday, April 30
Saturday, May 28
Saturday, June 11
Saturday, Sept 24
Price: $12.00
Furnace Town Members
are free