News Release

Washington’s Birthplace celebrates Virginia Archaeology Month

Aerial view of Building X foundation

NPS

News Release Date: October 16, 2024

Contact: Dustin Baker, 804 224-1732 x 225 (office), 804 456-7299 (cell)

COLONIAL BEACH, Va. —The Virginia Department of Historic Resources, in partnership with the Council of Virginia Archaeologists, has featured Building X at George Washington Birthplace National Monument as one of the most notable sites in the state for Virginia Archaeology Month.

For two Saturdays in October, park staff invite you to learn more about archaeology at George Washington’s birthplace during Archaeology Days in the Park. On October 19th and 26th, park rangers will be in the Memorial Area from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. offering a variety of information and family-friendly activities to engage visitors with the scientific practice of exploring how people lived in the past through the artifacts they left behind.

Also in October, a new episode of the park’s podcast series, Upon this Land: History, Mystery and Monuments, will explore new findings from the recent excavation of Building X. The episode will feature Kerry Schamel-Gonzalez, Cultural Resources Specialist at George Washington Birthplace National Monument, and Maureen Meyers, Principal Investigator of Archaeology for New South Associates Inc.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument is located at 1732 Popes Creek Road, Colonial Beach VA. For more information about George Washington Birthplace National Monument, please visit the park’s website (nps.gov/gewa), Instagram page (@GeorgeWashingtonBirthplaceNM) or Facebook page (@GeorgeWashingtonBirthplaceNPS).