Archeological investigations at the Narbonne house - Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Massachusetts
Moran GP, Zimmer EF, Yentsch AE. 1982. Archeological investigations at the Narbonne house - Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Massachusetts. Cultural Resources Management Study No. 6. National Park Service, Division of Cultural Resources. Boston, Massachusetts
This report presents the results of three field seasons and subsequent analysis of some aspects of the prodigious amount of data retrieved from the archaeological investigations at the Narbonne house. The Narbonne house was built c. 1670 in Salem, Massachusetts, and is now part of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. It was the home of tradesmen and artisans, and is valued as a rare surviving example of 17th century vernacular architecture. Excavations began in 1973 as part of the National Park Service program to rehabilitate the structure. Three field seasons included the excavation of numerous features, the most important being a first period lean-to foundation, cobblestone driveway, dairy, well, privies, and trash pits. The site has been especially notable for the quantity of its artifacts (over 138,000) and the range of its fine imported late 18th century English ceramics and Chinese porcelain, which are described and illustrated in detail. Particular attention has been given to the successive generations of occupants, their impact on the house and the site, and their relationship to excavated evidence. The pattern of artifact distribution in sheet refuse and trash deposits has been investigated. Recommendations for site interpretation and additional research have been made.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Moran, Geoffrey; Zimmer, Edward; Yentsch, Anne
- Date of Issue
- 1982
- Publisher
- National Park Service, Division of Cultural Resources
- Units
- HIST , SAMA
- Keywords
- Archeology, Cultural Resources, ehistory, Salem Maritime