Beneath the Bricks

The archaeology occurring as part of the Front Street rehabilitation project is generating interest in the community. The project provides a rare opportunity to learn about the early history of Natchitoches and the people who lived here. The Beneath the Bricks Committee is an ad hoc committee recently organized to assist in interpreting the archaeological excavations currently underway. The committee wants to use archaeology as a tool to draw people downtown to the area affected by the road rehabilitation project to shop, eat, and explore the past.

The committee has developed a panel exhibit to be placed along the sidewalk in the project area. They are now working on a series of exhibits that to be placed in commericial businesses along Front Street, a brochure, and tours, and other public events. In addition, the committee hopes to work with the media to generate special news features and regular press releases focused on the project.

Natchitoches and the Cane River region have gained national recognition for the historic and cultural resources in the area. The region has been named a Distinctive Destination and a Great American Main Street by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and last year was honored with a Preserve America Presidential Award by the White House. Committee members see the archaeological excavations as an important opportunity to build on Natchitoches’ reputation for preserving and promoting its past.

The Beneath the Bricks Committee held a public meeting on the archaeology project on Thursday, May 1, at 5:30 PM at the Natchitoches Events Center. The meeting included information on the archaeological excavations and an opportunity to brainstorm about future activities of the committee. Representatives from the City of Natchitoches, the Historic District Business Association, the Division of Archaeology, and other local organizations will participate in the meeting.

This forum will provide updates on the archaeology project as well as the activities of the Beneath the Bricks Committee activities.

Anyone interested in welcome to post information, comments, and pose questions.