Wilmington archaeology group continues search for new lab, dig site

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY-TV) — A Wilmington archaeology organization is searching for a new home and a new place to dig as it begins the next chapter of its mission to uncover the city’s buried history.

The Public Archaeology Corps, an all-volunteer organization, spent four years excavating a site in downtown Wilmington, uncovering thousands of artifacts that offer a glimpse into the city’s past.

The excavation site has now been filled in, marking the end of the group’s work there.

“Yeah, it is certainly a little weird and bittersweet,” said John Schleier, founder of the Public Archaeology Corps.

Schleier said he looks forward to returning to the site someday after it is given new life. The property could eventually become a restaurant.

“We dug this thing with hand tools down to eight feet, and this is absolutely the natural outcome of any excavation — it’s going to get filled in,” Schleier said.

Over the course of the excavation, volunteers uncovered a trove of artifacts, including cannonballs, shoes and other items connected to Wilmington’s history.

Now, the group is looking for a new location where it can continue archaeological excavations.

At the same time, the organization is searching for a new laboratory to house and process its thousands of artifacts. The group recently moved out of its Front Street lab ahead of building renovations.

“It’s one thing to get your hands dirty and dig, but the real excitement comes when you can go into a lab space and clean the artifacts,” Schleier said.

The search for a new lab has taken on added significance following the death of the organization’s lab director, Pat Garrow, in August.

Marian Wyatt, a Public Archaeology Corps volunteer, said Garrow encouraged her to keep looking for a new space until the end.

“The last thing he said to me before he died was, ‘I love you, now find a lab.’ Well, OK,” Wyatt said.

The organization is now asking the Wilmington community for help finding a space that could serve as its next laboratory.

The group also has launched a fundraiser in Garrow’s honor.

“If there is anyone in Wilmington that has space that could be used, please contact us because we need a home,” Wyatt said.

Click here to learn more about PAC and how to support its search for finding a new lab.