The 2026 archaeological field season at Colonial Michilimackinac will officially begin the first week of June, but the excitement has already begun. During the cleanup and set up of the site, a jaw harp was found in the central cellar.
These small, brass musical instruments were common trade goods. This is the thirteenth jaw harp found in this house. All have come from the central cellar and adjacent squares. There are several possible explanations for this. It is possible that the central cellar was used for trade good storage while the southeast cellar was used for to store food and related items. Another possibility is that the central cellar predates the southeast cellar and that jaw harps were more popular in the French era. Further research and analysis are necessary to say anything more definite.
This will be the twentieth season of excavation on this unit of the Southeast Rowhouse. It was always a trader’s house, first the household of Charles Gonneville and later the household of an as-yet-unidentified English trader. The artifacts recovered so far suggest that the English trader was quite successful. Archaeologists have found bones from expensive domesticated animals, fashionable ceramics imported from England, and ornate buttons, buckles and other items of personal adornment.
The excavation takes place in the middle of Colonial Michilimackinac and watching the progress of the project is included with admission to the site. Archaeologists will be on site every day, weather permitting, from June 2 through August 22.
Many Mackinac State Historic Parks programs around supported by Mackinac Associates, friends preserving and sharing Mackinac’s heritage.
Additional information about archaeology at Mackinac State Historic Parks can be found here. A downloadable version of this release can be found here. Original pictures available upon request.
