As an archaeologist, I find it encouraging to have the findings of a dig debated, rather than just reported in the newspapers.
This is a first for me, after nearly 30 years of work in the field.
Miss Annette Macarthur-Onslow is a descendant of John and Elizabeth Macarthur.
She has conducted extensive research into her family history.
Her assistance in the archaeological investigation of the "small miserable hut" has been very helpful and I hope that she will have an ongoing contribution to make to the project.
There are a number of differing views on the location of the "small miserable hut".
Through archaeological survey we are attempting to test these alternative theories.
In the first season of archaeological excavation (September 2008) we located 2 out of the three buildings shown on the 1840 estate plan, plus investigated the site of a building with a collapsed fireplace (Trench 3).
We interpreted the latter site as the "small miserable hut".
In the second season (May 2009) we excavated all of this building, together with the site of another possible building on its south side, marked by a rectangular depression.
No structural evidence was located in the rectangular depression, ruling it out as a building. But our original site, a four by six metre hut, is still the only building so far investigated that is oriented in the direction shown on the Conrad Martens painting, with a fireplace at its west end.
It is also the only building with early Chinese ceramics.
In the second season we also commenced a "topsoil survey" to locate further building sites.
We located the 3rd building on the 1840 estate plan, plus three other potential building sites.
Should the Belgenny Farm Trust approve further investigation, then the goal will be to extend the "topsoil survey" to locate all remaining building sites on this ridge of land.
Test-trenching will then be used to determine if we have any other contenders for the "small miserable hut".
We hope to include all interested parties in this exciting process.
While the focus of the first season of excavation was on the "small miserable hut", the focus has now evolved into a study of how the Camden Park Estate grew from 1805 to the 1820s.
This is the period about which history is almost silent, apart from a few references, a map and a painting. This is where archaeology can make its contribution.
We have Camden Park House (1834-1835).
We have Belgenny Farm itself and its farm buildings (1820s).
We now have the opportunity to locate the first development of the farm, not only the "small miserable hut", but possibly also the woolstore mentioned in 1813.
This will fill the gap in our knowledge of the development of Camden Park, which is a site of significance to the state and the nation as a whole.
It is the intention of the Belgenny Farm Trust to integrate the findings of the project into their educational programmes.
It is important that our school students have the opportunity to see these remains and to understand the processes of investigation.
It will stimulate their interest in the past and particularly the historical development of our nation.
If your readers want more information on this project, they can visit my website at www.higginbotham.com.au
I will be updating the website with additional information as the project progresses.
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