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. 9