By Ashleigh Fielding | posted on March 19, 2020
ARCHAEOLOGICAL excavations were undertaken in Albany this week at Strawberry Hill ahead of the construction of its new visitor hub.
Archaeologist David Guilfoyle led a team of 12 people – comprised of archaeologists, students, Indigenous Elders and cultural rangers – to investigate and identify any artifacts of Indigenous cultural significance near the existing worker’s quarters.
The team worked for three days to study the 20m x 5m space and by day two, had found fragments of ceramic vessels and glass.
As the Weekender went to print, investigations were still underway.
“As part of gaining traditional owner consent, we’ve been doing these excavations to check for culturally-sensitive materials, such as evidence of occupation in this area,” Mr Guilfoyle said.
“We’ve been using hand tools because we have to be careful.”
Mr Guilfoyle said the cultural science project was a great way for the participating Menang students and rangers to learn more about Strawberry Hill as well as about the site’s significance to the Indigenous community.
Works were allowed to continue this week but Strawberry Hill is closed to the public due to the threat of COVID-19.
National Trust is aiming to reopen the property on April 14.
