Phase II - And We Are Off - Again!

Over two years ago we began Phase II with excitement and high hopes. Within days of commencing interior demolition we discovered a treasure trove of historic artifacts buried under the floorboards of the mid-20th century kitchen. Work stopped, Archeologists moved in. And, once the dust (literally) cleared, we had reclaimed over 1,390 artifacts, including 18 pre-contact items.  

The recovered artifacts from the site consist of seventeenth- through nineteenth-century domestic and architectural material that was likely discarded by members of the Tilden, Lyon, and Howard families and by the residents of the Tilden House after Thomas Ward transformed it into a gardener’s residence in 1856. The collected ceramic and glass artifacts include kitchen items, vessels such as plates and mugs that were used for everyday drinking and dining, vessels like tea cups that were likely used for special occasions or social events, and personal adornment items like the piece of jewelry. While the eighteenth- and earlynineteenth-century objects such as the recovered creamware, pearlware, and white salt glaze stoneware were likely owned and used by the Tilden, Lyon, and/or Howard families, much of the collected material represents objects that were likely owned by the working-class tenants of the Tilden House during its time as a gardener’s residence. This includes the mid- to late-nineteenth-century medicinal and toiletry items in the assemblage such as the Dr. Kennedy’s Medical Discovery bottle and the bottle of hair oil; the purchase of these items by the Tilden House residents reflects the increasing awareness and emphasis on health and hygiene in the nineteenth century. 

Following the archeological study, work refocussed on ways to interpret what was found. It became critical to build a plan that would allow the entire first floor to be accessible to all. Plans were re-drawn and today the intrior project is underway. Work began on the new accessible ramp from the parking lot path to the new entrance at the rear of the house. Plumbers are building a fully accessible unisex bathroom. A small kitchen is planned to allow for light refreshments and programatic support. The floor will be replaced, a HVAC system will be designed, additional interior structural elements will be installed, and finally interpretation of the historic significance and the preservation project will be designed. 

Today we stand on the cusp of the next chapter for The Tilden. At 300 years-old this artifact is loved and treasured.