Mount Vernon Archaeology seeks three CREW CHIEFS and four seasonal FIELD
ASSISTANTS to assist in the excavation, and in associated research, relating
to George Washington's distillery. The distillery was housed in a 30 x
75-foot stone still house, erected in 1797, where five copper stills
produced corn and rye whiskey. Located adjacent to a gristmill and
cooperage on the Mount Vernon plantation, the distillery was a major
commercial venture, producing almost 11,000 gallons of spirits valued at
$7,000 during the second year of its operation. The results of four years
of intensive excavation of the building footprint, and associated features,
will be combined with the findings from the extensive documentary record to
develop a design for reconstructing the distillery as a major new
interpretive program.
Crew Chiefs:
Crew chiefs will carry out the full range of standard archaeological
procedures, both in the field and laboratory, as well as supervise seasonal
excavators, student interns, and volunteers. Other responsibilities include
artifact analysis, public interpretation, and assisting in other
archaeological projects at Mount Vernon. As part of the distillery team,
the successful applicant will have additional opportunities for professional
development which could include researching aspects of 18th-century
distilling and Washington's distilling venture, designing educational
programs, and synthesizing the archaeological discoveries.
Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in anthropology/archaeology or a
related field, and have experience in open-area excavation. Experience in a
supervising capacity on Chesapeake historic excavations is preferred.
Employment will begin during the spring of 2001 and extend up to two years.
Minimum salary is $10.00 / hour.
Field Assistants:
Field assistants will work on the distillery excavation, as well as
supervise field school students and volunteers. Other responsibilities
include artifact processing and public interpretation of the fieldwork.
Requirements include successful completion of a field school and class work
in archaeology. Employment is during the summer of 2001, Monday through
Friday, with some Saturdays. Minimum salary is $9.00 / hour.
Please send a resume and cover letter to: Esther White, Director of
Archaeology, Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, P.O. Box 110, Mount Vernon,
VA 22121, 703) 799-8626, [log in to unmask]
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