"The range of artifacts we've found so far is from the prehistoric occupation all the way up to today," said Will Moore, with the College of William and Mary Center for Archeological Research which is conducting the dig at Weston Manor.
The prehistoric occupation of the site dates to before the English colonization of Virginia.
Moore said the center is doing the work, which the public is invited to help participate in, as part of the celebration of Virginia Archaeology Month.
Previously, the College of William and Mary Center for Archeological Research has been at Weston Manor in 2003. It was in that year that the footprint of the structure to the west of the manor house was located.
The goal this year was to follow up to that and expand the knowledge of the building.
"We've uncovered a foundation wall which lines up with the back of the house," said Moore. "There's photographic evidence of these structures flanking the house. We also have a map from the Civil War which shows the two outbuildings."
Moore said that the goal of the research being conducted at Weston Manor would be to determine when the building was built, when it was abandoned and exactly what it was used for.
"From some oral tradition, we understand that at one time or another the structure may have been used as a school house," said Moore.
Mary Nix, who works with the Historic Hopewell Foundation at Weston Manor, said that all the work the William and Mary group has done has provided interesting information.
"It's interesting information not just for us here with the foundation, but for the public," said Nix. "They're going to be looking at a larger area than they did last time."
Today is the last day the public will be able to participate in the dig. Moore said that the group from the College of William and Mary will work at the manor until probably Monday.
* F.M. Wiggins may be reached at 732-3456, ext. 254.