Artifacts in Focus: Porcelain Saucer (January 29, 2020)

We have a rare treat for you this week! We received two submissions of the same artifact by two different individuals, showing the moment it was discovered in the field and the moment it was pieced back together after the excavation.

This porcelain saucer was made between the 1750s and 1790s, and was found in a context dated to 1801 at the Dunham House in Woodbridge, NJ during the society’s recent research excavation in September 2019. The saucer was used by the Barron Family, who occupied the house until 1870.

The Barron name was an important one in town, as the family was one of the first to settle in Woodbridge in the late seventeenth century. Well known for their patriotism and philanthropy, the Barrons made many contributions to their country and town.

You can learn more about the Barron family and the history of Woodbridge here: https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/935/Woodbridge-Walking-Tour-Map---Volume-I-PDF.

Learn more about ASNJ field excavations here, and keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities to dig! https://www.asnj.org/volunteer-digs

👀: Discovered by Joshua Butchko
🍽: Reassembled by Michael Gall