In early September of this year, Menokin received some gratifying news. The Council of Virginia Archaeologists (COVA) announced that The Menokin Foundation was the recipient of the 2012 Michael Hoffman Award.

This award is named in memory of a Professor of Anthropology at the University of Virginia and is presented to organizations for significant contributions to archaeological site investigation and historic preservation within Virginia.

Menokin was nominated for the award by David Brown and Thane Harpole with DATA Investigations. In particular, Brown and Harpole noted Menokin’s efforts to identify and evaluate archaeological resources associated with the circa 1769 Menokin property as a significant contribution to Virginia archaeology. They also commended our long-term management plan as a model for other historic house institutions in the area.

DATA Investigations team members are at Menokin this week with performing a survey along the trails and waterfront in search of evidence of indigenous habitation sites. Several local school groups will be taking field trips to Menokin during “archaeology week” to assist in trail marking and to learn more about this important step in the process of interpreting Menokin’s landscape.

Stay tuned for updates of all the activities taking place here this week.