Thomas Balch Library to Host Second Crowdsourcing Event for Artifact Documentation

Archeologist Kelly Arford-Horne discussing documenting artifacts from archaeological excavations.Leesburg, VA (September 22, 2023) – Archeologist Kelly Arford-Horne will be at the Thomas Balch Library on Saturday, September 30 where she will discuss documenting artifacts from archaeological excavations.

In July 2021, Thomas Balch Library received a collection of between 350 to 500 ceramic fragments collected at the Sycolin Pottery site located just outside of Leesburg. Discovered in 2004, the site once hosted two kilns used in the production of redware and stoneware ceramic vessels by potters from the Garner and Duncan families of Loudoun County.

Last March, a successful crowdsourcing event was held where fifty percent of the artifacts were documented. Next Saturday’s event will complete the cataloging. Participants will have the opportunity to catalog a unique piece of Loudoun County’s history during the event, which begins at 11 a.m. Pre-registration is required. Please call 703-737-7395, email balchlib@leesburgva.gov, or register online.