Dig Sonoma in archeological excavation of historic land

It was June 24, 1835, when Mariano Vallejo received a proclamation from Governor Figueroa empowering him to build a new city to secure the northern frontier.

That city is, of course, Sonoma which is still going strong after 175 years. To celebrate, the public is invited to take part in an archaeological excavation of a historic lot near the Plaza.

The dig will take place July 5-9 in an empty parcel behind the Demler-Jones-Vallejo Adobe at 143 W. Spain St. The adobe was constructed around 1842 by Salvador Vallejo, Mariano’s younger brother and is currently owned by the Robert and Leslie Demler.
The public will conduct all aspects of the archaeological investigation and will be guided by professional archaeologists from around the San Francisco Bay Area. Participants may volunteer for either excavation/screening or cataloging/research. The excavation, lead by City Historian George McKale, will be broken into a morning and afternoon session, each lasting four hours.
During the 1947 renovation of the adobe, numerous artifacts such as medicine bottles, ceramic dishes and dolls, buttons, personal hygiene items, musket balls, marbles, and square nails were collected. 

“A number of items were affiliated with Native Americans such as obsidian knives and abalone pendants,” said McKale. “We hope to find similar artifacts in the empty lot behind the adobe.”   

The event is organized by McKale and is being co-sponsored by Robert and Leslie Demler, The Sonoma Valley Sun, and Friends of Sonoma Cemeteries.

Enrollment is limited. To sign up, email George McKale at [email protected]. Indicate which day you would like to participate – July 5-9, and your choice of excavation/screening – physically rigorous, or cataloging/research – mentally rigorous, and session – morning or afternoon. Morning sessions are from 8 a.m. to noon, and afternoon sessions are from noon to 5 p.m.
To accommodate the greatest number of community members, enrollment is limited to one session. Don’t miss this great opportunity to participate in an archaeological excavation and celebrate the 175th anniversary of the founding of the city of Sonoma.