The Van Buren Inn & Tavern Historic Preservation Archaeology Field School Summer 2024

Abstract

As a surviving 19th century era historic business and dwelling for the John Van Buren family (cousin to President Martin Van Buren), and with a significant part of the existing and original tavern structure built in the 1810-1820s, the Van Buren Inn and Tavern site represents a unique piece of Oswego county’s local early settler history. The field school project for Summer 2024 identified the midden (trash heap) associated with the Inn and Tavern and the blacksmith shop and cooper shop structures. Excavation and artifact analyses identified a primarily early 19th century occupation with a combination of local and imported tableware and materials.