April 23rd, 2010
Avery’s Rest, John & Sarah Avery, 17th Century Family, Delaware’s Frontier, Peaking into a New Exhibit, Rehoboth Beach Museum, Delaware Beaches, 5/1/10 – 5/1/11
Avery's Rest - Archaeological Site
“No research is the end; it is the beginning. New and different questions come up. New areas to explore present themselves.”
With this in mind I went to preview the new exhibit in the Rehoboth Museum called Captain John and Sarah Avery or Avery’s Rest.
The Rehoboth Beach Museum is located at 511 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Website is rbhistoricalsociety@verizon.net and the telephone is 302-227-7310. Nancy Alexander is the Director.
Inside the Rehoboth Museum
Until I was invited to this event, I really did not have any idea that there was an archaeological dig in our area. And, that it has been operating for a few years. It does not surprise me. Afterall, in 1682 there were only 59 landowners in this area. What is good about this area is that since it has been mainly farm land, it has only been touched a bit. Once you are below the plowed zone you can start finding artifcacts untouched for 300 years, as is the case with Avery’s Rest.
The exhibit is only about 1% of what the archaeologists have found. They have chosen the ones that will be of most interest, showcasing life in the 17th century.
Through the recovery, survey, excavation and then analysis of materials left behind, we can study the past when there are no written records for historians to study.
It seems that the Avery’s were first in Massachusetts, then Maryland and then Delaware. During his lifetime his activities and appointments would be many. He was considered a wealthy man, being that he was a plantation owner; 800 acres. His wife, Sarah was the first recorded school teacher in the Colony of Maryland.
The artifacts found represent daily life. Others, reveal site specific activities.
Among the findings that caught my attention was a Piece of 8 which was the Spanish dollar. It is a silver coin that was minted in the Spanish Empire after a Spanish currency reform in 1497. Only 2 other coins were found in the dig. The Piece of 8 is of particular interest since it has to have come from John Avery himself. There were no coins, really. Tobacco was the means of exchange. But, John Avery was a master of the Sloop “Prosperous”, which was a Somerset County ship sailing from Maryland to the island of Barbados.
Piece of Eight - The Silver Coin behind the key
A key was found in the basement, down the steps. Probably there must have been a door.
John Avery had 2 slaves, but he employed Indians to work for him. There are arrowheads found in the dig; one was made out of glass. Definitely the glass did not come from the Indians.
The well shaft casing was so well constructed. Only a man of means could have ordered that.
The Well
They do not think that the main house is where the dig is at the moment due to the fact that they could not find a source of heat. Definitely needed in those times.
I was asking what was the excitement on the field when someone would discover an artifact. Apparently, it is big. But a lot of work has to be done before it comes out of the dirt. Once that happens, it is totally disturbed. The critical pieces would be artifacts made out of iron. They need to be preserved, so the elements do not destroy them.
Pig Jaw Being Excavated
The site has not been made public in order to be kept undisturbed.
On the left, basement where key was found, Right shows below the plowed line
So many hours. All volunteers.
The two people I spoke to were John Bansch, President of the Sussex County Chapter of the Archaeological Society of Delaware. Website is www.delawarearchaeology.org. Tel. 302-841-9915. E-mail is beach-home@verizon.net.
Even though the work is done by volunteers, donations are needed in order for the conservancy to survive. John will be more than happy to talk to corporate or individuals if you are interested in contributions.
The other person was Daniel R. Griffith of Griffith Archaeology Consulting (Archaeological Survey & Research). Tel. 302-335-4286, cell 302-242-3918 and e-mail addres is danielgriffith@comcast.net.
Mr. Griffith is the principal Archaeologist on the dig and is passionate about his work.
I just cannot imagine living the 17th century. This was a frontier culture. Diverse societies were in transition. It would have been such a harsh life.
The Rehoboth Beach Museum should be so proud to be able to make this exhibit available. And, us, what can I say, we are so lucky to have it.
Word of mouth is a powerful advertising tool, so pass this info. around. Rehoboth Beach is a community with a rich history; it would be such a shame if you would leave our beaches without knowing a little bit of it.
Talk to you later……….
Note: Information for this post was taken from the Rehoboth Museum Press Release, and from http://community-2.webtv.net/coranglais53/averyofdelaware/
Tags: Activities, Archaeological Dig in Rehoboth Beach, Avery's Rest, Delaware Beaches, Delaware Exhibit, Museum Exhibit, Museums, rehoboth beach, Rehoboth Beach Museum, Things to do at the beach, What to do at the beaches
Life long resident of Delaware born n raised in Rehoboth Beach in 1946 fifth child of Robert C Burton born 1902 and brother of past president of Rehoboth museum I find newspaper and internet articles very very interesting of the past history of lower and Sussex county.
Thank you so much for your comment. You are a tru native. Like a friend of mine reminds me all the time that even though I have been here since the mid 70’s, I am only a local but never a Native.