The metal object in Unit 4 seems to be a vessel of some kind. It looks like it has a handle, and it's not very deep (note the small silver spot where they've uncovered the bottom). We're currently gathering guesses about what it is.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
It's a bowl! It's a pitcher! It's a chamber pot!
The metal object in Unit 4 seems to be a vessel of some kind. It looks like it has a handle, and it's not very deep (note the small silver spot where they've uncovered the bottom). We're currently gathering guesses about what it is.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Are you there, John?
The crew and public started excavating what may be Old John's grave. The late start due to morning rain held up progress a little, but the crew still opened two units and in the screens found glass and nails. This is one of the most active areas for members of the public to participate - who wouldn't want to help dig up the horse? History Beneath Us continues on the Museum grounds Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and we will also celebrate Lew's Birthday with additional activities and free admission from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Come join the fun! 
History Beneath Us UPDATE
Two University of Indianapolis Archaeology students discover something made of metal buried in the old reflecting pool at the General Lew Wallace Study and Museum grounds. The work continues as we speak and will be ongoing all day on Sunday, April 10 from 10 AM until 5 PM. The public is invited to participate and there is a dig going on for the kids as well! Got a question for the volunteers and staff at the General Lew Wallace Study and Museum? Call 765-362-5769! Stop by and visit us at 200 Wallace Avenue in Crawfordsville, IN 47933.
History Beneath Us Saturday, April 9, 2011
University of Indianapolis students are beginning to uncover objects on the grounds of the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum. While the work is in its earliest stages, you never know what is just a few inches or feet beneath the top soil! We appreciate our University of Indianapolis students and hope that the general public seizes the opportunity to join them this weekend as we explore the History Beneath Us! Thanks to the Archaeological Program at the University of Indianapolis and to the fine students working in the rain and now the sunshine this weekend!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Sharpen Your Shovel
The crew from University of Indianapolis is here preparing for this weekend's History Beneath Us public archaeology program! 
One group of UIndy students are removing the backfill from the initial excavation of the reflecting pool so that they can begin digging where they left off in September. Dr. Christopher Moore, who is leading the student crew, hopes to uncover more of the brick wall, the builders' trench from when the masons laid that wall, and the bottom of the pool.
Another group of students are marking off the 2x2 meter unit over the "horse anomaly" - the geologic disturbance that may be the grave of Lew Wallace's horse, Old John. They will break ground in this area later today to have everything ready for public participation Saturday and Sunday.
One group of UIndy students are removing the backfill from the initial excavation of the reflecting pool so that they can begin digging where they left off in September. Dr. Christopher Moore, who is leading the student crew, hopes to uncover more of the brick wall, the builders' trench from when the masons laid that wall, and the bottom of the pool. 
Another group of students are marking off the 2x2 meter unit over the "horse anomaly" - the geologic disturbance that may be the grave of Lew Wallace's horse, Old John. They will break ground in this area later today to have everything ready for public participation Saturday and Sunday.Join us from 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday to help trowel and screen for artifacts. Families can dig in the Archaeologist Training area, where kids are sure to find "artifacts," and Sunday afternoon we will also celebrate Lew's Birthday with activities, refreshments, and free tours of the Study.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Getting There
The end of the Study Restoration Project seems to be in sight! After months of weather delays, workers are installing the last of the copper.
To make sure that the roof doesn't leak, all the areas of the roof have to be cut and fastened exactly, from the curved corners to the long skinny battens.
This photo was taken from the tower, looking down on the dome and lawn.
To make sure that the roof doesn't leak, all the areas of the roof have to be cut and fastened exactly, from the curved corners to the long skinny battens. 
This photo was taken from the tower, looking down on the dome and lawn.Saturday, April 2, 2011
Beautiful!!!
Saturday saw ice on the windshields, but that didn't keep volunteers from cleaning up the 3.5 acres of the General Lew Wallace Study and Museum. Over 30 people descended on the Museum to rake, mulch, pick up branches and do general garden work.
Two trailers were filled with leaves and branches and taken to the local compost site for mulching. Volunteers worked hard, then took advantage of the sunshine for some drinks, donuts and a tour of the Study. Pansies and lobelia were planted just in time for the activities on the next two weekends.
Even after working for 2.5 hours, volunteers were still smiling and having fun. After 3 hours, the grounds and gardens are beautiful and ready for the influx of visitors.
Go Butler!!!
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