[MassHistPres] Preserving an Excavated Historic Dairy?

[Laura Costello]

Hello All
Recent archaeological excavations on the grounds of the ca. 1734 Durant-Kenrick House 
and Grounds have uncovered an outbuilding foundation of what appears to be a small dairy.  
The building consists of a well-preserved brick floor, set below grade, surrounded by a stone 
foundation composed primarily of large cut stones.  The building´s fill was composed of 
destruction debris (stone, brick, mortar, painted plaster, nails, and window glass), some 
animal bone, and ceramics from the second quarter of the 19th century, suggesting that it was 
demolished ca. 1850.  
Of course, this feature is within the footprint of the planned new construction of a two-story 
education center which includes a basement which will be outfitted for climate-controlled 
collection storage space.  
Historic Newton is interested in taking efforts to preserve this feature and interpret it within 
our programming-this could mean modifying our construction plans or developing a plan 
to move and reconstruct the foundation.  Does anyone have experience with either 
preserving such a foundation for interpretation in situ or in removal/ reconstruction efforts?  
Trying to cover such a feature with glass or plexi would certainly create vapor dam and 
humidity issues.  Any knowledge that you have of similar preservation projects and general 
thoughts would be much appreciated.  
I´ve attached a photograph of the exposed area of the outbuilding´s brick floor for your 
reference.  
Thank you for your time and input. 
-Laura 
-- 
Laura Costello
Historic Newton
www.historicnewton.org


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