Lebanon Bake Oven Excavation

During the week of June 8th, 2026, FOSA volunteers assisted CT State Archaeologist Dr. Sarah Sportman with an excavation on the Lebanon, CT town green. They explored the foundations of a reported Revolutionary War “bake house” built by the French forces of Rochambeau during their winter encampment in Lebanon from 1780 to 1781. The project was done in cooperation with the Lebanon Historical Society.

A productive week of digging uncovered evidence of stone, brick, and artifacts related to the “bake ovens” used by Rochambeau’s troops during their winter encampment.

They also attracted numerous interested visitors, including local residents, curious children, friendly dogs, and a news crew from WFSB – Channel 3 Eyewitness News, who recorded a segment on our project.

You can view the WFSB News story here.

We should be back in the area in the Fall for the State Archaeological Fair!