Lawson Site

Archaeology, Education and Reconstruction (1976-2011) - Reconstructing the Village

An overhead oblique view of the 1980 longhouse structure. The building is a frame without covering

Longhouse Reconstruction - 1979

Reassembling the Past

In 1979, Dr. Finlayson, executive director of the Museum of Indian Archaeology, and other Museum staff began work reconstructing previously excavated elements of the Lawson Site, including a portion of the North Palisade, and a longhouse based on the outline of designated Longhouse 1 uncovered in previous excavations. These developments were in anticipation of the new Museum to be built on the property and represented the earliest expression of the interpretative presentation of the Lawson Site by the Museum. Designated Longhouse 2, a smaller structure, was constructed in 2002.

Longhouse 1 - 1979 Cross Section

Five workers carry a large primary structural pole to the 1980 Longhouse reconstruction

Longhouse Reconstruction - 1979

A 1980 aerial of the reconstruction of the Lawson Village. The longhouse and palisade are visible. Multiple pits and excavations are also visible

Aerial of Reconstruction - 1979

An image of the 1980 Longhouse Reconstruction in progress. Vertical poles and horizontal benches are in place but the roof has yet to take form

Longhouse Reconstruction - 1979

An interior image of the 1980 longhouse reconstruction. Benches appear in the foreground mounted on the primary interior structural poles. The outline of the door is visible in the background

Longhouse Reconstruction Interior - 1980

Re-Reconstruction

Through the years, the Lawson Village reconstruction has had to be rehabilitated or replaced on several occasions. Significant rebuilding projects were undertaken in 1991 (longhouse), 2000 (palisade) and 2007/8 (longhouse).

Two workers sift through a pile of bark siding debris after the demolition of the Lawson Site's original longhouse

Longhouse 1 Reconstruction Siding - 1991

A log and metal frame is visible during the 1991 reconstruction of the Lawson Site longhouse.

Longhouse 1 Reconstruction - 1991

Two workers carry a log pole to its place in the 2000 reconstruction of the Lawson Site palisade. The image shows the various stages of pole installation. Erected (background), placed (middle) and a log pile in the foreground. The bark-covered longhouse is also visible in the background.

Palisade Construction - 2000

A row of vertically installed poles consisting of roughly stripped logs are shown in this year 2000 reconstruction of the palisade at the Lawson Site

Palisade Construction - 2000

The demolished remains of the larger longhouse on the Lawson Site. A pile of log structural remains is to the right of bark siding debris. Two workers are visible considering the scene

Longhouse 1 Demolition - 2002

A 2002 image of the frame of a small longhouse under construction at the Lawson Site

Longhouse 2 Construction (HRDC Aboriginal Youth Project ) - 2002

Close-up image of pile of bark siding debris

Reclaimed Longhouse 1 Material for Longhouse 2 - 2002

A 2002 image of the frame of a small longhouse under construction at the Lawson Site

Longhouse 2 Construction (HRDC Aboriginal Youth Project ) - 2002