Archaeological Investigations at the Narbonne House Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Massachusetts

The Narbonne house was built c. 1670 in Salem, Massachusetts, and is now part of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. It was the home of tradesmen and artisans, and is valued as a rare surviving example of 17th century vernacular architecture. Excavations began in 1973 as part of the National Park Service program to rehabilitate the structure. Three field seasons included the excavation of numerous features, the most important being a first period lean-to foundation, cobblestone driveway 1 dairy, well, privies, and trash pits. The site has been especially notable for the quantity of its artifacts (over 138,000) and the range of its fine imported late 18th century English ceramics and Chinese porcelain, which are described and illustrated in detail. Particular attention has been given to the successive generations of occupants, their impact on the house and the site, and their relationship to excavated evidence. The pattern of artifact distribution in sheet refuse and trash deposits has been investigated. Recommendations for site interpretation and additional research have been made.