Corktown’s Workers Rowhouse to undergo archeological dig, survey

Greater Corktown Development Corporation is teaming up with Wayne State University to perform an archeological dig and survey of the Workers Rowhouse Experience. The three-unit building on Sixth Street, one of Detroit's oldest structures (ca. 1850), is being transformed into a museum dedicated to the history of Detroit's working class, patterns of immigration and migration to the city and the neighborhood of Corktown.

WSU's Anthropology Department  is offering the dig as its Archeological Field School course for this fall, entitled "Rebuilding the Past of Detroit's Working Class." Students, led by Professor Thomas Killian, chair of the department, will begin to build an archeological record of the site by mapping, surveying and excavating the site using non-invasive methods.

GCDC is hosting a kick-off event for the dig at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22 at the site. Tim McKay, GCDC's deputy director, describes opening ceremony as one that will "bless the ground and honor the past—a simple, yet significant tradition with archeologists," Dr. Killian and class will be on hand to discuss the project, the course, their expectations for discovery and their techniques.

The "Can You Dig It Kick-Off Event" will also offer the chance for guests to bid on one of five chances to participate in the dig at a later date; bidding will commence on-line and conclude at the end of the month.

McKay points out that interest in the course has been high. The 15 spaces in the class filled up in 24 hours and it is, "attracting notice outside the university."

Advance tickets can be obtained by calling GCDC at 313.965.5853.