Elfreth’s Alley Ephemera

Have I mentioned that I have the best volunteers ever! This past week, Gail, who has been volunteering since the summer, brought it a very cool ebay find: an Ortleib’s beer can featuring a quaint image of Elfreth’s Alley to celebrate America’s bicentennial in 1976. Renderings of Elfreth’s Alley are found in many varied places and on many varied objects – see photos below. According to “Workshop of the world: A Selective Guide to the Industrial Archeology of Philadelphia,” the brewery was founded in the 1860s, but did not come under the control of Henry Ortlieb until 1893. The Christian Schmidt Brewing Company bought the brand in 1981 and relocated brewing to Maryland. The old Ortlieb brewery was located in the Northern Liberties section of the city, not far from Old City and Elfreth’s Alley. The beer can speaks to the renown of the Alley, and the small street’s role as a symbol of colonial Philadelphia. 

Gail with the beer can.

Grill at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia Steaks & Hoagies Restaurant in Harrisburg, PA

Winter Update

We are nearly done with cleaning the artifacts from the 2012 excavations! With the help of amazing volunteers, all the materials recovered from the test units have been washed. So far over 5,700 artifacts have been cleaned; however, we are still in the process of washing the artifacts recovered from the features. The next steps include labeling all of the artifacts and completing the artifact catalog.

Myself and a couple of volunteers attended to the Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Society of New Jersey (ASNJ) last weekend. It was a nice afternoon with a great talks and presentations by archaeologists. More information about the ASNJ can be found on their website.

ASNJ meeting at the New Jersey State Museum, Trenton, NJ

Temple News Story!

Temple News posted the story and video about Elfreth's Alley Archaeology today!  Thanks to Temple University Communications; it was great working with everyone and the video turned out great.  Check it out here.

Elfreth's Alley Archaeology Presentation

If you want to learn more about Elfreth's Alley Archaeology, I will be giving a talk about recent excavations on January 19th at the Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Society of New Jersey (ASNJ) in Trenton, NJ.  Although Elfreth's Alley is not located in New Jersey, Alley residents often had close connections to the Garden State and benefited from trade and commerce with their neighbor.  During past excavation, we have recovered bottles manufactured in Camden, as well as ceramics potentially produced in Trenton potteries.  The talk is titled Alley Life and the Immigrant Experience: The Urban Archaeology of Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia and will focus on how archaeology can help tell the story of the lived experience of urban populations.  The presentation is at the New Jersey State Museum Auditorium, 205 West State Street, Trenton, NJ.  There are several other great talks to check out that day as well.  More details about the meeting and presentations are available on the ASNJ website.  Hope to see you there!

Archives & Artifacts

One of the perks of doing research in (and about) Philadelphia is the amazing archives throughout the city.  This past week, I visited the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, as well as the Library and Archives at the National Park Service's Independence National Historic Park.  Both had great information about urban archaeology completed in Old City, along with a bit of information specifically about the Alley.  The buildings that house these two archives are beautiful historic structures in their own right.

Interior & Exterior of The Athenaeum of Philadelphia

Merchants' Exchange Building, Library & Archives, NPS Independence National Historic Park

We have been continuing to wash artifacts throughout the Holiday season.  This Friday (12/21) will be our last day of artifact processing before the new year.  Below is a picture of the volunteers hard at work!  We also had a visit from Temple’s Office of University Communications.  They are putting together a video highlighting the archaeology the Alley.  Stay tuned for the video!

Volunteers dry brushing and wet washing artifacts

A Holiday Celebration on the Alley

We had a great time at Deck the Alley yesterday evening! During the event hundreds of visitors came to the Alley to revel in the splendor of the historic homes and partake in some holiday cheer. Guests also had the opportunity to view a few of the newly cleaned artifacts recovered from the excavations this past summer. Artifacts we had on display included a gilt and polychrome transfer printed teacup, a fragment of a brass drawing compass, lice combs, and a glass ink bottle. Despite the chilly weather, we had a blast talking to visitors about the excavations and showcasing the artifacts!

Speaking to Visitors about the Artifacts

Me & the Display.  Note the fancy use of the iPad.

In addition to the archaeology display, the evening included music from carolers and readings of  holiday classics such as Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

Christmas Carolers

Storytelling

Deck the Alley was the perfect way to kick off the Holiday Season!

Deck the Alley!

This coming Saturday, December 1st from 4-7pm the Elfreth’s Alley Association is hosting Deck the Alley.  This event is their annual holiday open house and offers guests the opportunity to walk through the interiors of several of the residential houses on the street.  The Philly Blog Uwishunu has a great description of the event.  Archaeologists will be at the event to discuss the excavations and display some of the artifacts recovered this past summer.  You can purchase tickets online here.  Hope to see you there!