Archaeologists working at a Department of Transportation (DOT) construction Site earlier this year uncovered the earliest evidence of humans in Connecticut. DOT is replacing the bridge that carries Old Farms Road over the Farmington River, and construction will impact the site. To glean as much information as possible before construction, the site was excavated by the archaeological and consulting firm AHS, Inc., of Storrs, contractors to DOT. Radiocarbon dating indicates the site was occupied as much as 12,500 years ago, in the Paleoindian period. There was evidence of stone tool-making using stone from as far away as New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. With excavation completed, the site is closed to the public for construction. It also will take some time to process and analyze the findings, but CTDOT and SHPO plan eventually to have an exhibit at or near the site to explain its significance.
Recent News & Events
- Branford: Redevelopment of 111 Main Street & 11 Cherry Hill Road
- Hartford: Roof Replacement at Faith Congregational Church, Deadline August 8, 2025
- Norwich: Development of the Dr. Patrick Cassidy House, Deadline July 31, 2025
- Bridgeport: “Downtown North” Redevelopment, Deadline July 10, 2025
- Talking About Preservation, July 2nd: Branching Out: The Public History of Trees
- Talking About Preservation, June 28th: On Site at the Mary & Eliza Freeman Houses
- Talking About Preservation, June 25th: 50 Years of Preserving Connecticut’s Historic Resources
- Talking About Preservation, June 18th: History Moving Forward with Connecticut Landmarks
- Talking About Preservation, June 11th: Social Justice & Modern Architecture with Temple Beth Israel Preservation Society