An archeological dig will be held during Mathews Market Days, Sept. 9 and 10, on the vacant lot beside Moughons hardware store. Residents who would like to experience the thrill of exploring a real archeological site are invited to participate. No prior experience is necessary, but participants need to register in advance.

“This isn’t archeology you watch from the sidelines,” said Forrest Morgan, who is on the board of the four organizations sponsoring the dig. “This is archeology you do yourself. This is getting your hands dirty for history.”

The lot is the site of the 18th century Mathews Hotel, said Morgan. Volunteers with the Fairfield Foundation performed 31 shovel tests during a preliminary survey of the vacant lot, he said, and discovered quite a few artifacts from the 1700s, including pipestems and ceramic shards.

Volunteers may register to help at the dig in three-hour shifts in the morning or the afternoon, said Morgan. They will be taught the...