The Fairfield Foundation of Gloucester began its impact on local history at Fairfield Plantation in 2000 with a mission: “to promote and involve the public in hands-on archaeology, preservation and education activities within Virginia’s Middle Peninsula and surrounding areas.”
In 2010 the organization purchased the 1930 Edge Hill Service Station in Gloucester Court House. This became its headquarters, archaeological lab, and outreach center; it is known as the Center for Archaeology, Preservation and Education (CAPE).
It’s at CAPE that Rachel Alwine, outreach director, holds a lab night twice a month. This is a time to learn and gather for those who might have relics or artifacts to identify, a historical story to search, or any other archaeological items to be identified or discussed. Guest speakers often attend. Lab night fulfills a great deal of the foundation’s mission to promote and involve the public.
To create more interest in the CAPE lab programs, they have taken on various na...