Third and final dig unearths likely cornerstones of historic Rye home
The William Voris preserve along Milton Road has long been considered a major key to unlock new stories of the city's past.
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Archaeological experts, historians and volunteers have spent this week wrapping up a multiyear process to learn more about the life of a successful Black entrepreneur in Rye dating back to the mid-1800s.
The William Voris preserve along Milton Road has long been considered a major key to unlock new stories of the city's past.
Voris bought the property in 1840, according to land records, and built what many believed was a saloon but over the last year.
Evidence points that Voris likely lived on the site surrounded by mainly white neighbors in a world still decades away from the official end of slavery in America.
Previous digs in 2022 and this past spring have unearthed domestic items like pots, medicine bottles and pipes. Most recently - including this week - experts believe they found the four cornerstones to where Voris' home likely stood.
Dr. Sara Mascia, with Historical Perspectives, Inc., a cultural resources consulting firm, has led the multiyear process.
"It's really important to not forget that part of history you know, and I think for many years it was," she said. "A lot of people don't think of a Black entrepreneur as living on Milton and now they know."
In addition to his home, Voris also had several businesses including as a successful innkeeper and an ice cream maker in a time before electricity.
"You learn a little bit more about the entire person than rather just the flat image you get from reading a document," Mascia said.
The property is currently maintained by the Bird Homestead and Meeting House Conservancy led by President Aaron Griffiths.
"The goal of the multiyear William Voris archeological dig is to unhide Black history, frankly," Griffiths said.
Griffiths said the plan is to take the discoveries and turn them into in-person and online exhibits, as well as an interactive guide through Voris' life on the actual grounds.
"His story is going to jump out at you," he said.
There's still a lot unknown about Voris' life most notably what he looked like remains a mystery.
This city project coincides with the town's ongoing efforts to understand its past at the Rye African American Cemetery. For more than 100 years starting in 1860, the historic burial site served as a cost-free option for African Americans to receive a proper burial.
In April, a preliminary report found more than 100 likely unmarked and previously unknown burials at the cemetery. A final report will include recommendations for how the town should the 1.4-acre property are expected to be submitted as soon as next week.
Both projects, while separate, unveil new information about the sound shore area.
Digging will continue on Friday, Aug. 2, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
