The house stood on the property until it burned in the 1890s. If not for the educational opportunity, the digs may never have gotten started. Local historian John K. Gott, familiar with the farm's past, suggested that Dr. Collins hire archaeologists to recover artifacts from the site of John Marshall Jr.'s home. I just wasn't interested in having archaeologists come out to just dig a hole. But, on the other hand, I thought it was a great opportunity for hands-on education.
Kids are out here in the sun.
They get a connectedness to their culture. But, Dr. Collins shuns recognition for his gifts. Friends and colleagues expressed surprise when told he agreed to interviews for this article. This wasn't about me. The normally reticent entrepreneur finds joy in helping to instill a love of learning in children.