WESLEYAN STUDENTS
DIG UP THE PAST
Archival research and archaeological excavations at the Williams Complex took place at
the mouth of the Falls River where it meets the North Cove during the years 1989-1991.
The work was done by Wesleyan University graduate students under the direction of
Adjunct Professor Dr. John Pfeiffer with the guidance of Essex Town Historian
Donald Malcarne.
The findings were presented at the Eastern States Archaeological Convention in
Williamsburg, Virginia in November, 1991.
Excavations centered on the remnants of structures including the dam and associated
sluiceways, grist mill, ironworks site and the shipyard.
Numerous artifacts were uncovered throughout the complex ranging from the 17th
through the mid-19th centuries. These were important in telling the story of the evolution
of economic development that took place.
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Wesleyan dig in progress, Essex, 1990