VIDEO: Searching For Artifacts In Groton

A group of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts worked with volunteers from the Avery Memorial Association Friday in an archaeological dig in Groton.

The Avery house, which was owned by one of the founders of Groton, was built in the 1650s, then destroyed in 1894 by fire ignited by sparks from a passing train.

The site was later covered up, and the association started digging six years ago to try to unearth artifacts and learn more about the family's life at the time.

The digs have unearthed about 500 artifacts, including shoe buckles from the 1600s, clay marbles and a toothbrush with an ivory handle.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 70 and Girl Scout Troop 63601 were among the volunteers at the dig Friday.

Lee Moore, secretary of the Avery Memorial Association, said the group holds a family reunion every year for descendants of the Averys. The event is typically attended by 50 to 100 people, and takes place at 10 a.m. today at the Groton Inn & Suites.

The Association also serves as caretaker of the Avery-Morgan Cemetery and The Ebenezer Avery House Museum at Fort Griswold.