Jack Jouett Archaeology Project

The Jack Jouett House Historic Site preserves the home of Captain John "Jack" Jouett, the "Paul Revere of the South." During the American Revolution, Jouett rode 40 miles through the backwoods of Virginia to warn Governor Thomas Jefferson and the legislature of the approach of British troops intent on their arrest. Jouett migrated to Kentucky after the war where he played a vital role in Kentucky's statehood convention, served in the legislature, and became a prosperous planter and livestock breeder. In 2014, the volunteer-based Jack Jouett Archaeology Project was launched to excavate Jouett's late-18th century distillery.

All participants in the archaeology project (except for the site's executive director) are volunteers, including the professional archaeologist who serves as project director. Volunteer team members have participated in every stage of the archaeological investigation, including archival research, excavation, artifact analysis, exhibit creation, and event hosting. In its first year, volunteers clocked almost 1,240 hours of activity.

The project offers many opportunities for the general public to learn about archaeology and history. A hands-on archaeology exhibit at the "Revolutionary Kids Day" event allows children (and their parents) to learn about and try out a variety of archaeological techniques. The season-ending, "Digging Out" program allows the public to meet and interact with the volunteer team, hear a season summary, and view selected artifacts.

Once excavation is complete at the Jouett site, volunteers will have the opportunity to excavate another local farm distillery and a moonshine still in the Daniel Boone National Forest, so results can be compared with the Jouett site and previous excavations at industrial distillery sites.

Designated a Preserve America Steward in February 2016.