Archaeological Dig Unlocking Mysteries Of The Past In Newtown Borough

NEWTOWN, PA — An archaeological dig, begun last year through a partnership between the Bucks County Historical Society, Stony Hill Archaeological Research, and the Bucks County Community College, is poised to resume this month in the heart of Newtown Borough, where it continues to unearth the mysteries of the past.

The public is invited to watch as the archaeologists work at the former site of the Bucks County Treasury building at 35 South State Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the week of March 23 to 28.

When Newtown served as the Bucks County Seat, the Bucks County Treasury was robbed by the infamous "Doan Gang," a network of Loyalists in Bucks County who supported Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War. The Gang
robbed tax collectors, militia members, and other citizens who supported the Revolutionary cause.

On Oct. 22, 1781, the Gang made off with 1200 Spanish silver dollars, 400 French crowns, and a large amount of cash – tax money that was meant to fund the Revolution.

This shows the layout of the county buildings in 1812. From left: jail and keeper's house, the treasury building, and the courthouse.

(Bucks County Historical Society)

The dig site in Newtown. (Bucks County Historical Society)

The original Treasury building, which was once part of a complex that also included a prison and courthouse, was demolished in 1873. For decades, it was unclear whether anything remained of the original structure. Archaeological testing conducted last May put that mystery to rest.

The new excavations follow the previous Phase I testing and are part of a project sponsored by the Bucks County Historical Society as part of research for the museum’s ongoing major
exhibition, "The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution."

The Phase I excavations discovered the building’s foundation as well as many artifacts, including a Revolutionary War-era gunflint.

“It was so exciting to uncover this fascinating piece of Bucks County history in 2025, and we can’t wait to continue our investigations this year," said BCHS Exhibit Specialist Clint Flack, who participated in the excavations and is co-curator of the Mercer Museum’s Doan Gang exhibition.

Archaeologist Matt Bielecki agrees. "Our initial investigation has recovered some really compelling artifacts, so I'm excited to see what else is in the ground, and for the opportunity to
add to the story of the Doans,” he said.

Any new artifacts found during this round of excavations will be analyzed in Bielecki’s laboratory with Stony Hill Archaeological Research, and a full report on the project will be completed.

The project is timed as part of commemoration efforts of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States – the United States of America Semiquincentennial celebration.

Bucks County played a pivotal role in some of the most consequential historical moments in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States. The Bucks County Historical Society is a non-profit affiliate partner of America250PA and Bucks250PA.

"The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution" exhibition is sponsored by Cascade Foundation, Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial, Susan E. Kane, Jim & Kathy Morrison, Connelly Foundation, The Morel Family Foundation, Bucks County Tourism Grant Program, Doan Distillery, The Argus Fund, Penn Color, Janet Schimek, Molly Lowell & Rich Duvall, Brian & Louise McLeod, Bob & Alice Vernon, Bucks County Foundation, The First National Bank & Trust Co. of Newtown, Linda B. Hodgdon, The London Purchase Farm, Dynasty Advisors, and Fulton Bank.

The dig site in Newtown Borough.