7/15 Ag history unearthed: Cabrillo students turn historic mansion into dig site

Sentinel Staff Report

WATSONVILLE — Ever wonder what an archaeological excavation looks like up close?

On Thursday, it looked like a bunch of Cabrillo College students hunched over the ground with small shovels looking for human artifacts, and loving every minute of it.

Nearly a dozen students took part Thursday in the college’s Archaeological Technology program, which was carried out at the historic Redman-Hirahara House near Highway 1 and Riverside Drive.

Students are learning their craft, while unearthing cultural artifacts on the grounds of the dilapidated Victorian mansion.

So far they’ve found old buttons, antiquated glass, buttons that look like they came from baby clothes — and a few marbles.

The Cabrillo program is working with the nonprofit Redman Foundation, which plans to restore the house and turn the property into an agriculture demonstration project.

The excavation will be open for public viewing 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday for the next two weeks. For details, contact Rob Edwards at 479-6294 or redwards@cabrillo.edu.

Photo: Cabrillo College student Eryn Supple, part of the Archaeological Technology program, sifts dirt Thursday at the Redman House. (Bill Lovejoy / Sentinel)