Freeport is literally unearthing its history. The public can get its hands dirty July 25-29 at Pettengill Farm as part of “Digging History: Piecing Together Pettengill Farm’s Past.”

Participants age 18 and older will have the opportunity to work alongside professional historical archaeologists from Crane & Morrison Archaeology of Freeport. The diggers will learn how an archaeological dig is carried out, including how to screen for artifacts, how to map archaeological features, and how to take good notes.

“It’s a great opportunity for citizens to connect with the property,” society president Christina White said. “It’s also a great opportunity to revisit sites that have been dug in the past. The way these things go, you don’t uncover everything in one shot. Historians and archaeologists recognize that the future brings more technology and expertise; I’m sure we’re going to learn more.”

Previous digs, some with professional archaeologists, have been carried out at the farm for the past 25 years and have unearthed everything from old gun flints and imported European ceramics, to the leather uppers of L.L. Bean boots. Many of these items are now on display at the society’s office, 45 Main St.

“We’re trying to introduce people to the property by showing what was found at the various sites,” said Ned Allen, collections manager. “We’ve found very little as far as Native American pieces, but an old stone fishing net sinker was discovered.”

The Freeport Historical Society’s saltwater farm along the Harraseeket River encompasses about 140 acres today and was first settled around 1760. Previous investigations were carried out in the 1990s by students from Freeport High School, led by archaeologists and teacher Norm Buttrick. Though only one farmhouse remains, the students found evidence that a succession of two dwellings may have stood on the site. The first was built in the mid-1700s by early Freeport resident Abraham Grant, while the second was likely built around 1800.

The five-day program is limited to 14 participants per day. The per-day fee is $100; weeklong participation is $335. For more information and to register, call the Freeport Historical Society at 865-3170 or visit www.freeporthistorical society.org.

The already unearthed artifacts will be exhibited through Oct. 7 at the society Main Street office. A special “kids dig” (recommended for ages 6-15) takes place on the grounds from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday.

Don Perkins is a freelance writer who lives in Raymond. He can be reached at: presswriter@gmail.com