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Fairfield Archaeology Park

Welcome to the Fairfield Archaeology Park, where you can participate in hands-on archaeology to help uncover the stories of the past. Research archaeology at Fairfield began in November 2000 and over the past two decades has revealed many clues about the evolving plantation landscape at Fairfield, and the many people who lived, worked and struggled there. The public has been involved in this work from the beginning, including students of all ages, community members, and volunteers. The park will continue to provide opportunities for the public to work alongside professional archaeologists to uncover more details about Fairfield’s past.

Come out to a Fairfield Friday to view the ruin of the 1694 manor, walk the 1/2 mile nature trail, and participate in ongoing archaeology. Fairfield Fridays are held on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month, from March to October, 10am to 4pm. No appointment is necessary, but if you’re bringing a group for a tour, please email us at Fairfield@fairfieldfoundation.org to let us know. Archaeology is not happening every Friday, but we can always share with you our latest discoveries.

An aerial view of Fairfield Archaeology Park, showing current park elements, nature trail, and projected locations of historic elements of Fairfield Plantation.

The grand opening of the Fairfield Archaeology Park took place on Friday, June 16, 2023, but our initial archaeological excavations began in November 2000. Current archaeology is focused on investigating areas planned for future improvements such as visitor restrooms and an education pavilion. To watch the speeches from the dedication ceremony at the Grand Opening, visit our Youtube page. To learn more about outreach and future plans at Fairfield Archaeology Park, check out this poster!

Photo by Eric Pesola, Fairfield Foundation board member
Scene from the dedication ceremony for the protective structure/Grand Opening of Fairfield Archaeology Park, June 16, 2023.
Co-Director Dave Brown, Fairfield Board Vice President bobbi hatton, Fairfield Board President Tom Karow, and Co-Director Thane Harpole at the Fairfield Archaeology Park Grand Opening, July 16, 2023. Photo by Eric Pesola, Fairfield Foundation board member.
Co-director Dave Brown chats with staff within the protective structure, in advance of the Fairfield Archaeology Park Grand Opening, June 16, 2023.

More information about the park is coming soon! To learn more about events planned at Fairfield Archaeology Park, visit our events calendar!

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From the blog

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  • Lives from the Catlett Family Cemetery at Timberneck: Robert, Mary, and John Thruston January 31, 2024
  • “The best church I have seen in the country” Excavations in search of the 17th-century Abingdon Church January 12, 2024

Center for Archaeology, Preservation and Education (CAPE)

Opening Hours:

Grounds are always open to the public to view the building exterior and signage. The CAPE is open for tours on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at other times by appointment. Lab nights at the CAPE are on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 6-9pm.
Address: 6783 Main Street Gloucester, VA 23061

News From Our Blog

  • Remembering George Wesley Catlett February 27, 2025
  • Wood’s Mill: an Overlooked Chapter of Gloucester Hall’s History December 2, 2024
  • The Revolutionary World of Lewis Burwell July 2, 2024

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Contact Us

The Fairfield Foundation's mission is to promote and involve the public in hands-on archaeology, preservation and education activities within Virginia’s Middle Peninsula and surrounding areas. We are a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization offering public programs, research opportunities and outreach activities since 2000. We operate five properties in Gloucester County: Fairfield Archaeology Park, Timberneck House at Machicomoco, Edge Hill Texaco (the C.A.P.E.), Rosewell Ruins and Visitor Center, and Walter Reed birthplace. For more information about us and other historic resources on the Middle Peninsula or to arrange presentations on a variety of topics related to local history and archaeology, please contact us. Check out the calendar for upcoming activities.
The Fairfield Foundation
P.O. Box 157 White Marsh VA 23183
Phone:
(804) 815-4467
Email:
fairfield@fairfieldfoundation.org
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