Volunteers with the 2017 WEDig History survey explored Assumption Park for buildings that once stood on the site.Volunteers with the 2017 WEDig History survey explored Assumption Park for buildings that once stood on the site.

Scientists offering public a chance to dig deeper into local history

The Windsor-Essex community will get a second chance to join UWindsor geoscientists in a geophysical survey of Assumption Park on June 16 and 17.

In September 2017, in celebration of Canada150, the WEDigHistory Project held a public geophysical survey looking for evidence of buildings that once stood in the park. The project is welcoming people back next week to help take another look.

Maria Cioppa, professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, says Assumption Park is a good representation of the rich and complex history of Windsor and Essex County.

“The site was originally occupied in 1748 by a French Huron mission and then a parish. We also think there may have been a cemetery,” says Dr. Cioppa. “We had a great time last year giving the community just a bit of training to help run the instruments needed to look for evidence of what stood on this site. This year we want them to come back, visit with friends they made last year, and make new friends.”

Cioppa says in addition to surveying, they will update attendees on last year’s results and explain future plans and projects. Members of the Ontario Archaeological Society will be on hand to discuss the historical and archaeological significance of the area.

The project was funded through the WindsorEssex Community Foundation and the University of Windsor — Faculty of Science, Leddy Library, departments of History and Earth and Environmental Sciences — with support from Ontario Heritage Trust, the Windsor-Essex chapter of the Ontario Archaeological Society, and Sensors and Software Ltd.

The geophysical surveys take place from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, June 16 and 17. There are also preparation days June 14 and 15, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To sign up, email wedighistory@uwindsor.ca, or join the Facebook event online.