Discovering Archaeology, "The Curles Neck Project"      

 Discovering Archaeology, "The Curles Neck Project" is an award winning documentary program that profiles the daily activities of archaeologists and students as they excavate an important colonial Virginia plantation site near Richmond. This site dates back to around 8000 B.C. and pre-historic stone tools have been recovered.  

Below are pictures from the documentary produced by Avalar Productions, Inc. in co-operation with Virginia Commonwealth University Archaeological Research Center and Curles Neck Farm.

Around 1635, Curles Neck was home to Captain Thomas Harris and later, colonial rebel Nathaniel Bacon, Jr. built his home on top of the Harris foundation.

After Bacon's death, the property was acquired by William Randolph and given to his son Richard. Three generations of the Randolph family operated a large tobacco plantation at Curles Neck.   

Curles Neck Farm in Henrico Co. VA

Laying out an archaeological grid

Digging in the kitchen foundation  

Screening material from the plowzone

Harris/Bacon/Randolph home site

The students and archaeologists above excavated the foundation of a laundry building. They have theorized that the building was also used for cooking and was operated by plantation slaves. Every year Virginia loses hundreds of important historical sites to construction and renovation.

If you know of other exciting archaeological excavations taking place in Virginia, please contact Avalar Productions, Inc. at info@avalar.net