Millbrook's Archaeology Work at Moland House

What is archaeology? Archaeology is the study of human history through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains. Archaeology offers wonderful opportunities for people to become involved, whether it is an interest or a potential area for study or career. The Millbrook Society supports archaeology as a means to help protect, preserve and educate others about our rich local history!

Headquarters Farm, Warwick (Moland House)

The Moland House served as George Washington's Headquarters from August 10, 1777 to August 23, 1777. An estimated 11,000 troops were camped here and in the surrounding vicinity while waiting for reports as to the place where General Howe's Army would land to attack Philadelphia. It was here where the Marquis de Lafayette joined the American Continental Army and Washington met Count Casimir Pulaski for the first time. When the encampment ended with the knowledge of Howe's intentions, the army marched down to and through Philadelphia and then on to the Battle of Brandywine.

John Moland was commissioned as King's Attorney in Pennsylvania. In 1748, he became the leader of the Pennsylvania bar. In 1759, he became a member of the Pennsylvania Provincial Council. As an influential attorney in Philadelphia and Bucks County and serving as a Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, John Moland undoubtedly had a significant influence on those who studied law under him. Both George Read, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence representing Delaware, and John Dickinson, known as the "Penman of the Revolution," studied law at the Philadelphia office of John Moland.

In June, 1997, The Millbrook Society was invited to become the Archaeology Department for the Moland House property, as named by Warwick Township. Since then, we have performed investigations in areas where restoration of the Moland House has been in progress. Underneath the porch area was located a mystery stone foundation butted against the house. This feature could have existed before the stone house was ever built in the mid eighteenth century. Over the years, thousands of artifacts have been recovered, many from the eighteenth century, including: redware, kaolin pipe stems and bowls, clothing pins, coins, buttons, dietary bone, oyster shells, imported china, porcelain, white ware, transfer ware, willow ware, and even evidence of military occupation including French and English gun flints. The Society continues to conduct investigations near the house.

Annual Reenactment at Moland House, York Road in Warwick Township on Saturday, August 27

The Millbrook Society displayed Moland House artifacts excavated from its archaeological work there on that site over the past 25 years - some of these artifacts are from the pre-colonial period.

Millbrook also presented information and education about the archaeologist's "tools of the trade."

There are no archaeology projects at Moland House underway currently, however, Millbrook still conducts education programs about archaeology at this site and offsite. Please contact us at millbrooksociety@gmail if you would like further information about our archaeological programs.

Are you interested in getting your hands dirty! Join our archaeology team!

If you want to experience the rich history of our area in a special way, or just want to experience aspects of archaeology, consider joining The Millbrook Society and meeting up with other members who share your same interests! If you wish to participate in the full excavation, you must join The Millbrook Society and be properly trained. All members of the public are able to screen under the supervision of a Millbrook Member.

Some of our past archaeological projects include (follow link for more information):

Are you looking to start an archaeological project?

The Millbrook Society supports archaeology as a means to help protect, preserve and educate about our local history. Millbrook also serves as an archaeological consultant for people and organizations looking to start archaeological projects on historic properties. For more information on these services, please contact us at millbrooksociety@gmail or check for updates on this website.