On April 15, 2026, archaeologists Alix Martin and Tad Baker presented a talk on the preliminary findings from last year’s archaeological excavation at the original site of Rollinsford’s historic Colonel Paul Wentworth House.

We were able to record the presentation and share it with you here! It’s a great summary of what was found at the dig site in 2025 and the approach to planning this year’s dig.

A Little Background on the Project…

Last year, a partnership among the Association for Rollinsford Culture and History (ARCH), Strawbery Banke Museum, and the property owner resulted in a successful archaeological excavation of the original site of the house. Thousands of artifacts were recovered during the dig, which identified the foundation of the rear lean-to of the Wentworth House.

Archaeologists also determined that the details of the map of the site drawn by the Historic American Building Survey in 1936 were incorrect. The artifacts recovered and our new understanding of the layout of the yard and its outbuildings, including a carriage house described as slaves’ quarters, will help ARCH better interpret the lives of the property’s inhabitants.

To follow up on last year’s dig, a second archaeological field school will take place at the site this June. Plans are in the works to offer tours of the dig site while the field school is in progress.