[Excavations] Our project is a joint undertaking of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Delaware and the Historical Society of Delaware, owner of the Read property. The long-term archaeological project is designed to enrich our understanding of New Castle's history and culture, share that understanding with the public, and train university and high school students and other interested individuals in archaeological research techniques. This home page, created and maintained primarily by University of Delaware students involved in the Read House project, represents their commitment to share what they learn with you.

In the first few years of fieldwork, we are exploring the nature of the archaeological remains surviving on the property, seeking to understand the time periods, people, events and activities represented. One area of focus is the eighteenth-century house and yard where George (I) and Gertrude Read lived with their family from 1767 to ca. 1800. The house burned in the Great Fire of 1824. In 1847, the area was incorporated into the Couper formal garden as a parterre; it has remained part of the garden since then. We are also exploring the property's outbuildings, work yards, and gardens by excavating a test trench from the edge of the parterre to the rear property line.

Our project involves ongoing research in historical records, oral history, and study of the surviving architecture and landscape, and objects owned by former residents. Several seasons of excavation and analysis of artifacts, food bone, and plant remains that we are finding will have much to tell us about the changing urban environment, landscape, family life, commerce, and social life. In the future, we hope to expand the project to examine other New Castle properties. With the support of New Castle's current and future residents, and with your help, we can piece together the complicated story of New Castle and its people.

For more information please contact Project Director: