Colonial Williamsburg Virginia is offering a chance to dig into history with local CW archaeologists on Nov. 16 at its Custis Square site.
The site is located on the corner of Nassau and S. Francis streets across from the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. The event, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is free to attend and will feature exhibits and hands-on activities in celebration of the Council of Virginia Archaeologists (COVA) 50th anniversary in 2025.
Colonial Williamsburg’s Custis Square project focuses on archaeological research at the historic home site of John Custis IV, a prominent Virginia planter and politician. Custis Square, covering four acres, is part of Williamsburg, Virginia, and was once the 18th-century property of Custis, who was known for his elaborate gardens, distinct landscaping, and wealth.
The ongoing excavation at Custis Square began in 2019 with a primary goal of uncovering the layout and features of Custis’s extensive garden, which was one of the earliest formal landscapes in America. Archaeologists are uncovering evidence of paths, ornamental gardens, and planting beds. Artifacts recovered include imported ceramics, garden tools, plant remains, and items related to enslaved workers, offering insight into both elite and enslaved life at the estate.
The project sheds light on the lives of enslaved Africans who lived and worked there, exploring how they contributed to the estate’s maintenance and daily functions. This research is part of Colonial Williamsburg’s broader effort to interpret and present more comprehensive, inclusive historical narratives.
