During the Summer of 2001 Sally and Ken Weeks attended a presentation at Fort William Henry on Pemaquid Point, Maine. The talk and slide program was presented by Neill DePaoli, PhD who is currently working on several digs in the Pemaquid shoreline area. A possible tie to the Brick House became evident when it was learned that Neill had just earned his doctorate at University of New Hampshire in Durham, and directed a dig on a potential Thos. Wiggin Jr. homestead at Sandy Point Discovery Center in neighboring Stratham, NH.

Some years ago our preservation consultant, John Leeke of Portland, ME had told the Board that we may be able to benefit historically by some strategic archaeological excavations on the Brick House property. With this in mind, and because of his close proximity, Neill was asked to submit a proposal to the Board.

Proposed important facets of research would include locating archaeological remains of the home of Leonard Weeks – where did Leonard actually live? (The Brick House was built by his son, Samuel.) Is it true that the house was constructed of locally-made brick? Can we locate a kiln and a pit where the clay may have been dug? Is the c. 1710 construction time valid?

Dr. DePaoli has divided a project at the Weeks property into two tasks. (1) Background research would focus on establishing a detailed picture of property. With that information he could better determine where to focus a future (2) archaeological investigation (dig).

Neill conducted the necessary background research during 2002-2003. Many documents from our archives were loaned him, and he searched town and state records, as well as data from other sources, including that of Greenland Historian, Paul Hughes. To finance this study, a very generous grant was received. Additional funding is needed to advance to the Phase II dig.

As a benefit of this research a 63-page report has been produced containing: photos and maps; and, facts on each of the generations of Weeks families who lived in the house, including livestock and other assets, positions held in Greenland/Portsmouth, etc. Inquiries about copies of this report may be directed to info@weeksbrickhouse.org.

After reviewing the results of his research, Neill will take into consideration specific areas to propose for an archaeological dig. Selective digging may occur on several sides of the house, maybe near where the original ell was, and where the barn was, and possibly try several areas to discover about the production of brick on the property. Ground-penetrating radar is new, and may be beneficial in aiding the search.

If we proceed to rebuilding an ell or barn on the property, an absolutely necessary first step will be a history-determining excavation.