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Forwarded message from Jackie Keily <[log in to unmask]> To mark the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War II, the Museum of London is undertaking an archaeological dig at Shoreditch Park, Hackney. This park was formerly the site of high-density housing. During the war much it was destroyed during bombing raids on London. After 1945, in response to a nation wide housing shortage, some of the site was used for temporary 'prefab' houses until the whole site was turned into a community park in the 1980's. The area was first damaged during the Blitz of 1940-1 by aerial mines and incendiary devices. In 1944-45 V1 and V2 rockets also hit the area. By the end of the war some houses were still standing whilst others were in ruins, the area was not completely cleared to create the park until the 1980's. The study of the archaeology of 19th and 20th century London is a relatively new discipline. Traditionally we have used historical records to tell the story of this period, and used the archaeology to understand the distant past. However, using archaeological practices, the studying of people through the remains of their possessions can help us learn about any historical period. 19th and 20th century London was one of the most important cities in the world. Through this dig we will discover more about everyday life in London during these historically important periods. The excavation goes on for three weeks from Monday the 4th of July until the weekend of 23rd/24th July. During the dig there will be daily site tours and activities for the whole family. For more information call 0870 444 3850 or send an email message to [log in to unmask] The dig is the Museum of London's event for the National Archaeology Week (16th-24th July), the annual event organised by the Council of British Archaeology. Jackie Keily Assistant Curator, Early Department Museum of London 150 London Wall London. EC2Y 5HN Tel: 020 7814 5734 Fax: 020 7600 1058 Email: [log in to unmask] www.museumoflondon.org.uk