James Madison's Montpelier We The People Spring 2018 WTP_Spring_2018_FINAL_web | Page 9
SPRING 2018
MADISON’S BOYHOOD HOME UNCOVERED
Recent archaeological and architectural exploration at Montpelier sheds new light on the lives of President
Madison’s parents—the second generation of Madisons to live here. Recent analysis at the Kitchen in the
South Yard has revealed that the building is older and more unique than we previously thought.
Excavations suggested the building was constructed as early as the 1760s and was not originally a kitchen.
President Madison had extensive modifications made to the structure to make it a kitchen during the
1810s. The architectural design of the original structure, with a full brick end and a substantial hearth, is
comparable to “planter cottages” from the mid-18th century. Such cottages were typically one room houses
with second floor sleeping areas.
This suggests the building was built prior to the circa 1765 construction of the main brick house, serving as a
“starter home” for James Madison, Sr., and Nelly Conway Madison away from the house of his parents. Just
how early the building was built, however, is still unclear. Over the coming year, Montpelier’s archaeologists,
architectural historians, and historians will continue to dig into the evidence to learn more about James
Madison’s boyhood home!
LEARN ABOUT THE PAST: BEHIND
THE SCENES WALKING TOURS
CONTACT VISITOR SERVICES AT 540.672.2728 x141
NEW! DIG IT! ARCHAEOLOGY TOURS | June 16, July 14, August
18, September 15, October 27
Learn about the many different components of the archaeological
discovery process, including locating, excavating, analyzing, and
reconstructing archaeological sites on the property, at the lab, dig
sites, and the cemeteries.
NEW! ARCHITECTURE TOURS | June 23, August 25, October 20
These tours offer an examination of how our architectural
historians restore and reconstruct significant structures, including
the South Yard, the Temple, and ghost marks on buildings.
PUBLIC ARCHAEOLOGY PROGRAMS
CONTACT CHRISTINE GREENALL AT 540.672.2728 x161
OR [email protected]
Work with professional archaeologists on actual archaeological
research sites on the property, learning the techniques and
process of archaeology while contributing to the discovery and
preservation of history.
DIG DATES: May 13-18, July 8-13 (Teacher Program), July 22-27,
August 5-10, September 2-7, September 16-21, October 7-12,
October 21-26
Background: Drone photography of the South Yard and House.
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