Sixteen students at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, are actively engaged in hands-on fieldwork endeavors with a specific objective in mind: to discover the original building that stood on campus first. This undertaking is part of a course titled History and Archaeology of Acadia and a cross-disciplinary initiative known as Digging for Acadia. The primary goal of this project is to identify the original foundations of the inaugural College Hall, constructed in 1844 and destroyed by fire in 1877.
Wendy Robicheau, an archivist at the university and co-director of the project, commenced the quest for the initial building before 2022. Due to alterations to the campus landscape over the past century, pinpointing the precise location has proven challenging, as historical photographs and maps have not provided definitive information. Consequently, the team has resorted to ground excavation as the most effective means of investigation.
Collaborating with co-director Mo Snyder, a geologist, Robicheau combines archival research with geophysical techniques to guide the students in their fieldwork. By employing methods such as ground-penetrating radar and analyzing the surrounding terrain, the team has uncovered stone foundations believed to be remnants of a lost well, along with the gravel used to fill it. Further analysis is required to confirm whether these findings are linked to the original College Hall.
During recent excavation activities, student Alice Godelie made an exciting discovery by unearthing a red brick, marking a significant contribution to the project. Geologist Mo Snyder highlighted the rarity of such discoveries in Nova Scotia, emphasizing the challenge of finding historical artifacts close to the surface.
The excavation process is still in its initial stages, with the team conducting additional test pits across various sections of the property. Robicheau is optimistic that the project may reveal other long-forgotten structures from the university’s past, shedding light on Acadia’s historical development since its founding in 1838. By exploring the campus’s evolution, Robicheau aims to provide insight into the university’s rich history and heritage.
The team’s efforts demonstrate a commitment to uncovering the mysteries of Acadia University’s early days, showcasing the value of historical preservation and exploration on the campus grounds.
