I’ve not yet been to Ireland but my understanding is the country does not often – or ever – see warm and humid weather of the type we are experiencing here this week. Our visiting Irish archaeologists are showing no signs of curtailing their effort on the front lawn of St Patrick’s because of a lack of acclimation which is a testament to their professionalism and determination.

David McKean on the Lowell Irish blog is sharing with us a day-by-day account of the 2012 phase of this multi year project.

On Sunday (Day 1) the team visited Old Sturbridge Village to learn more about the small wooden houses or shanties that were common in New England in the early 1800s. A structure of this type most likely resided on the spot in Lowell now being excavated, so understanding the functionality of the house will assist in placing uncovered artifacts in the proper context.

On Day 2 (Monday) the dig began in conditions of high heat and humidity. Most of this day was spent peeling back the sod and expanding the dimensions of the original excavation.

Day Three (Tuesday) the explorers dug deeper into the earth finding common artifacts such as chunks of coal and shards of pottery. None of these were startling in their discovery but taken together they form a richer picture of how life was lived by the spot’s earlier residents.

The work continues today and this evening, at 6 pm at the Hurley Residence at 100 Belmont Ave, a community reception will be held to support the project (suggested donation is $75). As those who did the most digging during today’s extreme heat set about rehydrating this evening, I suspect some good stories will flow. I’ll file a full report tomorrow.