Historic Garfield Farm uncovers history through archaeology

The Garfield Farm Museum in Campton Hills is no stranger to digging deep into its history — in its 35 years the museum has gone from historical property to a fully functional farm, museum and, most recently, archaeological laboratory.

For the 10th year, the museum is conducting an archaeological dig on its premises in an effort to unearth clues to its history. Archaeologist Jim Yingst is leading the dig to discover more about the farm’s original homestead. Yingst and his team began the dig Wednesday and will continue through next weekend.

The farm was the home of the Garfield family until 1977, when it was sold to curators and converted to a museum. Though named for the family of Timothy and Harriet Garfield, the property and was originally owned by Samuel Culbertson, a settler from Pennsylvania who built the first cabin on the land in 1835. The Garfields bought the farm in 1841, expanding the cabin into a tavern, which eventually led to an inn and other buildings on the property.

The first discovery of the dig came Wednesday, when Yingst found animal bones after digging deeper into a section he uncovered last September. This, in addition to other found relics in the same area, could point to what might have once been a butchering area used by the original inhabitants of the cabin — a major step in figuring out the boundaries of that homestead.

“It’s usually not one individual artifact, but the whole picture of them together that can point to trends and small group activity level,” Yingst said. “(As archaeologists), we find a joy in learning new knowledge ... learning about our world.”

Dawn Yingst, a longtime museum supporter, echoed her husband, adding that the museum’s research and findings of significance to not just the area, but also to the field of anthropology in the United States.

“The Garfield Farm is about educating the public on this history of this region, and the role of farmsteads like this in the growth of America,” she said.

The museum has enough funds to host the two-week digs twice yearly — in June and in September. In the time Jim Yingst isn’t in the field, he is working on analyzing any artifacts found, cataloging the data and writing lengthy records and reports.

Though Yingst and the team found the irregular boundary of soil staining last fall, they decided to wait until the spring to ensure any excavating was done correctly.

“The thing about archaeology is we’re destroying the site in the process of getting data, so we only have one chance to do it right,” Yingst said. “It’s so imperative to do the best possible work and keep the best possible records.”

Yingst said it is especially important to keep accurate records not just for the museum and its efforts, but also for the future. He pointed out that many archaeological efforts in the area are only done before land is developed, as required by law.

“Here we have the luxury of time since construction isn’t looming, but every time a subdivision goes up, there’s one less site to discover. The number of 1840s sites are finite.”

Though the Garfield Farm is supported solely through donations and volunteer effort, over its 35 years in operation $10 million has been spent on restoration efforts, allowing the museum to provide a historically accurate picture of farm life in 1840s Illinois. The museum has a permanent staff of five curators, caring for the 374-acre property, including the buildings, gardens, farmlands and rare breeds of animals.

Volunteers help with the curation of the farm, all on varying levels of commitment. About 30 volunteers are signed up for the dig, coming from all over the state and country. Helen Bauer, volunteer coordinator, said the volunteers come for the unique experience of the dig.

“I hope they take away a real appreciation for the amount of particular attention given to a dig, and can understand the importance of archaeology in the role of history.”