Last week, we posted a link to the Tradewinds article on the initial archaeological survey work being undertaken at Bellevue, along with some important  background information as to the Historical Society and the St. John Community Foundation’s  objectives.  That posting can be viewed here.   On August 3rd, Tradewinds provided a follow-up to the initial reporting and we link that latest  article here.

Further Background While Alan Armstrong’s work this summer was the beginning of a proposed four to five year comprehensive study program involving Bellevue, from the Society’s perspective, the primary significance of this summer’s effort was focused on the suitability of the site proposed  for our ‘Cultural and Historical Resource Center’ building.

In a recently executed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between  the Historical Society and the St. John Community Foundation, a tentative site was agreed upon.  However, its location was contingent upon this summer’s archaeological survey work.   The MOU  provided that if the survey should reveal the presence of “significant archaeological resources”, or that construction at the site would have a “detrimental effect on the historic fabric of the nearby historic resources” then the Society’s building was to be relocated.

We must now await Alan’s  final written report and  recommendations.  He  has promised to provide us with the results of his survey within the next month and will, at the same time,  share this information with the State Historic Preservation office (SHPO).  Ultimately, it is SHPO which has the authority to grant us permission to proceed. Clearly, this is a huge and critical step forward for the Society in realizing its dream of a home!

We extend our thanks to Tradewinds for reporting on the project and allowing us to link to these articles.