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Sandown commission seeks professional archaeological reports to document ancient stone sites
Summary
Commissioners reported contact with experienced site-report authors James and Mary Gage to survey local stone sites (Wells Village Town Forest and mill sites) and pursue state registration; the effort aims to document sites for the master plan and improve grant eligibility.
The Sandown Heritage Commission on May 7 discussed next steps to professionally document local stone sites and incorporate those findings into the town master plan.
Pamela Goodrow told members she has had difficulty finding archaeologically trained students or volunteers but has spoken with James and Mary Gage, experienced site-report authors who have worked across New England (including reports on America’s Stonehenge). The Gages are willing to visit Sandown sites — starting with Wells Village Town Forest and known mill sites — to prepare site reports that could be submitted to the state registry.
Goodrow emphasized the goal is not only to document and record the sites but to incorporate them into the town’s master plan so future development or permitting actions would take those resources into account. She said professional confirmation would give the commission confidence to list and protect sites that local volunteers are not trained to assess. The commission noted some local stone sites could be several thousand years old, and members discussed seeking grant funding to pay professional fees.
Commissioners asked the Gages to provide a fee schedule and agreed to coordinate timing (some members preferred a fall visit when water levels are lower; others noted current interest following a recently noted important site). No firm dates were set; the Gages indicated they have some availability and the commission will follow up to set on-site visits.
