Grant Will Fund More Historic Site Surveys At VSP

Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 8:36 AM

By Mike Perleberg @mikedup84

The archaeological work could ultimately get the park listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

File photo

(Ripley County, Ind.) - Ball State University researchers are getting a grant to continue archaeological digs at Versailles State Park.

The university is getting a $49,999 grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology. The funds come from the National Park Service, which distributes federal funds to the states through the Historic Preservation Fund Program.

The local grant will fund continued surveys of historic home sites over about 80 acres at Versailles State Park. Earlier surveys have identified 49 home sites, and this project will verify the location of about 21 more sites.

In a DNR news release, it was noted that the archaeological work could eventually get the park listed on the National Register.

“Along with their associated historical records, these sites tell the story of the early planned settlement as well as early statehood. This targeted archaeological survey will help uncover the remains of daily home life at these sites,” the DNR said.

Here's What Archaeologists Learned At Versailles State Park