THE nineteenth century kitchen from Harper's Mansion in Berrima will soon be uncovered.
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In 2012, field archaeologist Dr Ted Higginbotham presented a research proposal that led the NSW Heritage Office to grant permission for an excavation on the site.
The excavation will be conducted by hand using area trenches and will run from today until next Friday or Saturday.
Harper's volunteer Chris Thompson said the first two days would be exploratory.
"It's an unknown quantity," she said.
"Ted thinks we'll find a floor of some sort and possibly the base of the chimney or fire area.
"It could be nothing, or it could be everything."
A mound of dirt behind the house covers the original site of the kitchen.
"The first two days will put a hole in the pile of dirt and then things will get a bit clearer," she said.
"We have no idea what was left of the kitchen when the dirt was piled on top, so it's pure speculation."
In anticipation of finding evidence of room divisions within the former building, the layers and other archaeological contexts will be divided into at least two areas.
"We will find out if it's partitioned or one room," Ms Thompson said.
Excavation will continue through demolition rubble and other layers to expose the lower walls and floor surfaces.
No significant footings or other structural evidence will be removed, except where detailed recording will allow them to be reinstated during conservation, interpretation and display.
Ms Thompson said 11 volunteers would work on the site with Dr Higginbotham and his assistant. "Two Year 11 students from Chevalier College and Bowral High School will volunteer on the dig," she said.
"The Wingecarribee Shire Council has given us a grant and part of that was involving the schools."
The $16,400 dig is being funded been funded by a combination of profits from historian Ann Beaumont's book 'A Light in the Window, Harper's Mansion Berrima - the place and its people', a $3000 grant from council and donations from local members of the National Trust.
"We weren't successful in raising the full amount and will continue to organise events and seek donations to find the extra." Ms Thompson said.
To find out more visit www.harpersmansion.com.au. You can also follow the progress of the dig on the Southern Highland News website.
