As part of the Christman Company鈥檚 Historic Preservation Group, we recently had the privilege of being part of an extraordinary archaeological discovery while working on the Mansion Revitalization Project.听
听During an excavation in the mansion鈥檚 cellar, Mount Vernon鈥檚 archaeology team unearthed two glass bottles filled with 250-year-old cherries. These dark green bottles were sealed and still contained liquid, with cherry remains such as stems and pits preserved inside. The liquid still bore the distinctive scent of cherry blossoms, a familiar fragrance for those who know the region during the spring.听
听The bottles, untouched by the atmosphere for centuries, were carefully transported to Mount Vernon鈥檚 archaeology lab. There, they were unsealed and emptied to help stabilize the fragile glass. Jason Boroughs, Mount Vernon鈥檚 principal archaeologist, speculated that the cherries were preserved in this way to be eaten later.听
听This discovery was made during the three-year Mansion Revitalization Project, an effort aimed at safeguarding the mansion鈥檚 original building fabric and ensuring its structural integrity for future generations. We at the Christman Company are honored to be running this project and to contribute to preserving such a significant piece of American history. At the Christman Company Historic Preservation Group, we actively seek out historic preservation projects like this, driven by our commitment to maintaining and celebrating our nation’s heritage.听