of 17th Century relics.

The excavation, which will take several years allows research and training for archaeology students.

It involves students from six universities from the United States but is inviting Bermudians to join in.

Bermuda Maritime Museum director Dr. Edward Harris said: "This is a joint project between the Maritime Museum and the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, with the consent of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.'' One of the features of the island is the Captain's House which is one of the earliest Bermuda houses.

"It was the first house we know of to be built with Bermuda stone,'' Dr.

Harris said. "The house was built by Governor Butler in 1621, and still stands to its second story.'' Mr. Joe Last, a Parks Canada archaeologist who is working as a volunteer supervisor of part of the work said: "We have artifacts on the Island found at the King's Castle (the name of one of the forts) that dates from 1790 to about 1830.

"We have found two regimental buttons for the 47th and 67th Regiments. There is a good selection of early 19th Century cups and ceramics.'' Professor Norman Barka, an anthropology professor at the College of William and Mary, said this was the second year they had run the archeology field school.

Previously the school excavated Daniels Island and Hog Bay Park. "These are the most unique sites in the world. They are also the best preserved early English forts in the world.'' Dr. Harris hopes Castle Island will be fully restored in a few years. "Six local volunteers will be starting and we would be interested in getting some more to participate.'' If anyone is interested in being a volunteer on Castle Island, they may call Dr. Harris at the Bermuda Maritime Museum.

DIGGING UP -- Volunteer workers excavate the lower battery of King's Castle on Castle Island.