The Barkhamsted Lighthouse: The Archaeology of the Lighthouse Family

Kenneth Feder discovered irregular cellar holes in Barkhamsted, Connecticut, leading to an archaeological and genealogical investigation into the legend of Barkhamsted Lighthouse. The story revolved around Molly Barber, a white woman who married a Narragansett Indian, and their community of outcasts. The site was excavated intermittently between 1986 and 2009, and Feder also started a genealogical investigation of James and Molly and their descendants.

Format: Hardback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Deep in the woods of Barkhamsted, Connecticut, archaeologist Kenneth Feder discovered a series of irregular cellar holes that sparked an archaeological and genealogical investigation into the legend of Barkhamsted Lighthouse. The legend, which had been passed down through local newspaper articles, a school play, and a book-length poem, centered on Molly Barber, a white woman born in central Connecticut in the middle of the eighteenth century. According to the legend, Molly abandoned her family, friends, and privilege to marry James Chaugham, a Narragansett Indian from Block Island in Long Island Sound. Together, Molly and James had several children and their growing community became a magnet for other outcasts, including Native Americans and people of African and European descent. Some of these newcomers married into the family, creating a community in their little village. As a tale of rebellion, race, resistance, and resilience, the legend called for investigation. The site was excavated intermittently between 1986 and 2009, and Feder also started a genealogical investigation of James and Molly and their descendants. After meeting with Raymond Ellis, a seventh-generation descendant of the founding couple, Feder recognized that this was more than just a historical mystery to solve; it was also a chance to connect archaeology of historic places with the present-day relatives of those who once lived there.

Feder's investigation revealed that the cellar holes were part of a larger settlement that had been occupied by Native Americans and European immigrants in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The settlement was located on a bluff overlooking the Connecticut River and was surrounded by a dense forest. The cellar holes were used for storage, cooking, and other domestic activities.

One of the most significant findings of the investigation was the discovery of a large number of artifacts, including pottery, glass, and metal objects. These artifacts provided valuable insights into the daily lives of the settlers and their cultural practices. For example, the pottery was decorated with intricate designs and symbols that were used to communicate messages and express cultural identity.

The genealogical investigation also revealed that James and Molly were part of a large family that had been living in the area for several generations. The family had a complex network of relationships and connections with other families and communities in the region. This information helped to shed light on the social and economic dynamics of the settlement and the relationships between different groups of people.

One of the most interesting aspects of the investigation was the discovery of a hidden cemetery on the site. The cemetery contained the remains of several Native Americans and European immigrants who had died in the settlement. The cemetery was located in a remote area of the site and was not easily accessible.

The discovery of the cemetery was a significant event for the local Native American community. It provided a sense of closure and a place to honor their ancestors. The cemetery was also a valuable resource for archaeologists, as it provided information about the burial practices and cultural beliefs of the settlers.

In addition to the archaeological and genealogical investigation, Feder also worked to raise awareness of the legend of Barkhamsted Lighthouse. He organized public events, such as tours and lectures, and worked with local schools to incorporate the legend into their curriculum.

Despite the challenges of the investigation, Feder was able to uncover a wealth of information about the settlement and its inhabitants. The investigation has helped to shed light on the history of the region and has contributed to the understanding of the complex relationships between different groups of people.

In conclusion, the legend of Barkhamsted Lighthouse has been a source of fascination for many years. Kenneth Feder's archaeological and genealogical investigation has helped to uncover the truth behind the legend and has shed light on the history of the region. The discovery of artifacts, the genealogical investigation, and the hidden cemetery have provided valuable insights into the daily lives of the settlers and their cultural practices. The investigation has also helped to raise awareness of the legend and has contributed to the understanding of the complex relationships between different groups of people.

Weight: 508g
Dimension: 237 x 158 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538180846