Avery Memorial Association 8th Annual Archaeological Dig

The Avery Memorial Association’s annual family reunion will be held on Saturday, July 20th, 2013 at the Groton Inn and Suites.  This date marks the 119th anniversary of the burning of the Hive, a home built by James Avery in 1656 that stood on the corner of what is now Poquonnock and Long Hill Roads.  On July 20th, 1894 an ember from a passing train landed on the home, creating a fire that quickly consumed the entire structure.

The Avery Memorial Association was founded one year after the burning to commemorate the family history, and a monument was later placed on the property.  On Thursday and Friday, July 18th and 19th, 2013 from 9:00am until 4:00pm the AMA will host the 8th annual archaeological dig to recover artifacts from the home and family.  Past digs have uncovered nails, shoe buckles, pieces of 19th century toothbrushes, and many other items.  The dig is open to the public and Boy Scouts may receive credit toward the Archaeology Merit Badge.

Following the dig, on Saturday July 20th the members of the AMA will hold their annual meeting and reunion, with guest speaker Kate Dimancescu discussing her new book, The Forgotten Chapters, about New England genealogy.  Anyone wishing to become a member of the AMA may visit the website, www.averymemorialassociation.com.

The Ebenezer Avery House, located on the property of Fort Griswold, is open for free from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and other times by appointment.  For the 2013 season the AMA is featuring a new exhibit, “Samplers of the Avery Women,” featuring newly restored sampler textiles created by Avery women between the late 1700s and the mid-1800s.  Due to fireworks and the reunion the home will be closed on Saturday, July 13th and 20th, but will reopen on Sunday July 21st to host performances by Joseph Potter, Colonial American Magician from 12:00pm until 3:30pm.