Archaeological Dig Underway at Old North Church

The city on Monday launched an archaeological survey that will begin within the Washington Garden at Boston's Old North Church.

The dig will be led by the City of Boston's Archaeology Program, and City Archaeologist Joseph Bagley. The survey is organized by the City of Boston, with the cooperation of the Old North Church Foundation. The survey is located at 193 Salem Street, and will run through July 1.

The two-week survey will explore the buildings' backyards and privies, or outhouses, which are often a hotbed for historical artifacts. Visitors are welcome at the dig site and will be able to observe work on the site from the nearby Washington Court.

According to Bagley, for a century, the garden was the location of three brick apartment buildings, constructed in the 1830s.

"This survey will give us a glimpse into over a hundred years of Boston's history," he said in a statement from the city. "This is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate and explore the daily lives of the many immigrant peoples that lived in these apartments."

Bagley and his team conducted an archaeological survey in 2013 behind the 1715 Clough House at 21 Unity Street, also owned by Old North Church. On this previous Old North Church survey, they found more than 40,000 artifacts dating back 300 years, according to the city.

The site is open to visitors, and live updates will also be posted on the City of Boston Archaeology Program's Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.

>> Photo of dig site volunteers via City of Boston Archaeology Program