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Archaeology

We promote and preserve Boston's many archaeological resources through curation, excavation, and education.

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The City Archaeology Program was founded in 1983 to protect Boston's irreplaceable archaeological resources. Boston has hundreds of known archaeological sites within the City's borders. Our City archaeologist, Joe Bagley, curates the archaeological collections at the City’s Archaeology Laboratory. He acts as the review and compliance agent for below-ground cultural resources in the City. Bagley also educates the public in archaeology through a number of City programs, and manages Rainsford Island, one of the City’s most important historical holdings.

Please make an appointment if you plan to meet with us. Learn more about our lab's location at 201 Rivermoor Street.

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Contact
archaeology@boston.gov
201 Rivermoor Street
West Roxbury, MA 02132
Wednesday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
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Jump right in

 Volunteer with City Archaeology
Meet the City Archaeologist
Visit the City archives
Learn more about City landmarks

Upcoming book events

Contact: Archaeology

This Preservation Month (May) and beyond, celebrate the launch of "Boston's Oldest Buildings and Where to Find Them" through multiple online events. You can also learn about our previous publications:

Link to our Archaeology books and book events

 

book cover

Uncovering Boston's history

Watch: Rare find at the Pierce-Hichborn site
An artifact with King William III's face on it found during a dig in the North End.
Watch: 300-year-old gravestone found
Hear the story of a 300-year-old gravestone found during a construction project in Boston.
More videos from Boston Uncovered
We launched a video series highlighting Boston's history.

Archaeological digs

Boston Latin School
Archaeologists surveyed the front yard of Old City Hall to find evidence of the 1635 Boston Latin School.
Chinatown - 6 Hudson Street
Archaeological dig at 6 Hudson Street, former site of Ruby Foo's Den
Clough House
The Clough House, owned by the Old North Church Association, is located at 21 Unity Street in Boston's North End.
Malcolm X House
Archaeologists conducted a survey at the landmark-designated Malcolm X- Ella Little-Collins House.
Old North Crypt
Archaeologists conducted a dig in the crypt at Old North Church in the North End.
Seaport shipwreck
The remains of a 19th-century lime schooner were discovered during construction at 121 Seaport Boulevard in May 2016.
Training Field Charlestown
The historic Training Field has been an active participant in Charlestown’s history since the 17th century.

Inside a dig

Take a look at how the City Archaeologist conducts a dig — from start to finish.

Learn about our digs

News and announcements

fingers holding a cowrie shell with text overlay describing enslaved people in Boston

Black history is Boston history

Archaeology
Parks Department Commissioner Woods and Archaeology Program Team look into Ronan Park well

Update on the Ronan Park Well

Archaeology
City archaeologists taped an iPhone and five LED flashlights to a paint roller attached to a rope, and lowered the rig into the hole to record video.

City officials provide update on potential sinkhole in Dorchester park

Parks and Recreation
Part of either a brooch or pendant (BCL.0772.0002) found during the 1986-87 excavation of the Boston Common and is a great example of a classical revival motif popular during the 19th century. Part of either a brooch or pendant (BCL.0772.0002),

Notes from the trenches

Landmarks Commission
More Archaeology news

Meet the City archaeologist

City archaeologist