Since 2004, the CSMNH and CAC have offered a kids' archaeology field school module as part of the Kids Are Scientists Too program. Students participated in the ongoing excavation of the Farwell House (78-184) located on the campus of the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT.

The Farwell House was built around 1735 and was occupied by members of the Farwell family until 1908. UConn acquired the house in 1911 and approved the house to be burned as part of a fire training exercise in 1976. Public outrage at the house's destruction led to an initiative to preserve the house foundation for future archaeological research.

     

For two weeks this summer, students excavated three 1x1 meter units in what was the front yard of the house. Students were instructed in archaeological methods, and were the primary excavators on the site. Many artifacts were uncovered, including nails, window glass, ceramic sherds, copper wire, and burned pieces of wood. Most of the artifacts appear to date to the burning of the house, however, some of the ceramic sherds date to a period when the house was occupied.

Currently, analysis of the artifacts is underway, and a report will be submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office. The Farwell House site has the potential to yield a great deal of archaeological information, and continues to be a venue for teaching and inspiring future archaeologists.