The Mouns Jones archaeological site in Douglasville, PA is believed to be the first permanent settlement in Berks County.  Excavations at the site over the last decade have led to the discovery of a cold cellar, the ruins, a 1700s log cabin, and a well.  However, with an area of just under 2 acres, there is still much of the site that has yet to be excavated.  The size of the property and the scope of the Mouns Jones influence in this region suggests that there should be additional buildings on the site.  While archaeological investigations are time consuming and require significant manpower, geophysical investigations allow the rapid characterization of physical characteristics of the subsurface in a non-invasive manner. 

Giovanna LaSpisa surveying at Mouns Jones House (Block B)

Kahlan Tripp sruveying with the GPR in block B

Magnetometer and ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys were performed in several survey blocks across the property with the intent of locating roads/paths seen in a 1950s photo and a 1719 map as well as the foundations of other buildings believed to be in the area. Several areas of potential archaeological interest were identified through the results of the geophysical surveys and may require additional investigation.