Despite the incoming rainy weather, the Fairfield Foundation held the grand opening of its Fairfield Archaeology Park on Friday morning.

The site of the 1694 manor house that gave the Fairfield Foundation its start sits on the banks of Carter Creek in Gloucester. A new protective structure built over the ruins makes it easier to interpret the property to the public while excavations continue within the house footprint.

The dedication opened with a performance from The Fifes and Drums of Yorktown before emcee Rebecca Guest, Fairfield Foundation volunteer and Membership Coordinator of the Mariners’ Museum and Park in Newport News, took the stage.

“We are all stewards of the community through your leadership,” said Guest about co-directors Thane Harpole and Dave Brown.

“We’re excited to see their vision come to fruition,” said Pastor E. Randolph Graham of the First United Baptist Church, about Harpole and Brown.

After Graham’s prayer and remarks, Deacon Kelvin Forrest of the church led the assembled crowd in a rendition of “This Is the Day the Lord Has Made.”

Julie Langan, Director/State Historic Preservation Officer of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, said the new park “reflects a long and productive relationship” between the two organizations.

Warren Deal of the Gloucester Historical Society said the park is important to “find who we are and what shaped us.”

Julie Richter of the National Institute for American History and Democracy at the College of William and Mary explained the importance of students having “that tactical experience of doing history.” She said that 56 students in the pre-college program were scheduled to participate in hands-on learning through the park Saturday.

“I can’t wait to see what comes next,” said Richter.

Tom Karow, Fairfield Foundation Board president, said that the park was a culmination of “vision, dedication and hard work.”

Those who attended the event were able to enjoy hands-on public archaeology, historic interpreters, exhibits, nature trail hiking, food trucks, children’s activities and more.