Most people do not look at the ground under their feet and think, “What’s buried there that could tell me about the history of this area.” After all, we live in the modern era.
But the Wake Forest Historic Preservation Commission will change some minds this month by hosting an Archeology Workshop Saturday, April 29, at the site of the Ailey Young House on North White Street.
The house, a one-and-one-half-story saddlebag house (that description will be explained during the workshop) is a rare example of Reconstruction-era rental housing that was the childhood home of Allen Young, an important educator in the history of Wake Forest and the state. It is named for his mother, who bought the house after renting it, and one of his daughters, who was the first black and second woman commissioner in the town.
The April 29 workshop is open to everyone, but may be of particular interest to those with an interest in history, historic preservation and archaeology. There is no cost to participate, but registration is required at www.wakeforestnc.gov/archaeology-workshop.aspx. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Registrants may choose from one of the following start times: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m. Each workshop is approximately two hours and each group is limited to 30 participants.
Participants will meet at the Alston-Massenburg Center at 416 North Taylor Street at the appointed time for a brief presentation on the Ailey Young House and to view artifacts collected from the site. Staff from the Office of State Archaeology will also be on hand to discuss appropriate methods of artifact collection and interpretation.
After the presentation, participants will proceed to the Ailey Young House site to view the structure and participate in a ground penetrating radar demonstration by New South Associates.
The Ailey Young House site is not an improved site, so it is not handicapped accessible. The archaeology workshop is not recommended for anyone who has difficulty walking or moving around.
Participants should dress appropriately for being outdoors by wearing protective clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, hats, and appropriate shoes (no sandals or flip-flops).
Parking is available at the Alston Massenburg Center and along Taylor Street. Parking will also be provided along Spring Street and within the Wake Forest Cemetery. Participants are asked to be respectful in the event a funeral is scheduled on the day of the workshop.
The workshop is partially funded with a federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) grant awarded by the State Historic Preservation Office (HPO) through the National Park Service’s Certified Local Government Program (CLG). For more information, contact Senior Planner Michelle Michael at 919-435-9516 or mmichael@wakeforestnc.gov.
