SOURCE URL: https://www.nps.gov/fora/learn/news/archaeologists-to-embark-on-new-search-for-clues-to-solve-americas-oldest-unsolved-mystery.htm FETCHED VIA: https://www.nps.gov/fora/learn/news/archaeologists-to-embark-on-new-search-for-clues-to-solve-americas-oldest-unsolved-mystery.htm DATE FETCHED: 2026-09-14 06:06 UTC CONTENT-TYPE: text/html;charset=UTF-8 SIZE: 39587 bytes ============================================================================== An official website of the United States government Here's how you know Here's how you know **Official websites use .gov** A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS** A **lock** ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or **https://** means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. * Skip to global NPS navigation * Skip to this park navigation * Skip to the main content * Skip to this park information section * Skip to the footer section [ National Park Service ](/) [ Fort Raleigh National Historic Site ]() Search Search This Site All NPS Open Menu Close Menu ## Explore This Park ## Explore the National Park Service ## Exiting nps.gov Cancel [ Fort Raleigh National Historic Site ](/fora/index.htm) * [ Info ](/fora/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm) * [ Alerts ](/fora/planyourvisit/conditions.htm) * [ Maps ](/fora/planyourvisit/maps.htm) * [ Calendar ](/fora/planyourvisit/calendar.htm) * [ Fees ](/fora/planyourvisit/fees.htm) #### Contact Us 1. [NPS.gov](/) 2. [ Park Home ](/fora/index.htm) 3. [ Learn About the Park ](/fora/learn/index.htm) 4. [ News ](/fora/learn/news/index.htm) 5. News Releases ## News Release # Archaeologists to embark on new search for clues to solve America’s oldest unsolved mystery #### You are viewing **ARCHIVED** content This content was published online before January 20, 2025. Please note that this content is **NOT UPDATED** , and links may not work. For current information, visit . NPS Photo/Kurt Moses **News Release Date:** September 13, 2021 **Contact:** [Michael Barber](/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=468CD8B39CD6A38396BA01ADFC058BA3568E088853A0&r=/fora/learn/news/archaeologists-to-embark-on-new-search-for-clues-to-solve-americas-oldest-unsolved-mystery.htm), 252-423-0195 MANTEO, N.C. — Archaeologists will probe new locations at [Fort Raleigh National Historic Site](http://www.nps.gov/fora) from Sept. 15-24, as part of ongoing efforts to solve America’s oldest unsolved mystery – the fate of Sir Walter Raleigh’s “Lost Colony” that went missing more than 400 years ago. The public is invited to view the dig for clues. The [First Colony Foundation](https://www.firstcolonyfoundation.org/), a group of professional archaeologists, have partnered with the National Park Service on this dig and received an Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) permit after a thorough review process. “The upcoming dig offers a unique opportunity for anyone interested in the fate of the Lost Colony to watch professional archaeologists at work,” said**David Hallac, superintendent, National Parks of Eastern North Carolina**. The archaeological dig will explore multiple sites, including the metallurgical and science workshop, dubbed the “Science Workshop,” where numerous artifacts have already been uncovered, and promising, new areas that were surveyed in 2016 using a ground penetrating radar. “This dig includes new ground that’s never been tested archaeologically,” said**Jami Lanier, cultural resource manager/historian**. “So, it’s very exciting to see what may be found.” The mystery of the Lost Colony is not only where they went – but where those 117 men, women and children lived while on Roanoke Island. Earthen ramparts likely built during an expedition in 1585 and abandoned prior to the Lost Colony’s arrival two years later, offer a tantalizing clue and that area will be examined further during the archaeological work. Previous digs on the Fort Raleigh site have uncovered an array of Elizabethan and Native American artifacts including [pottery, tools and trade items](https://www.nps.gov/articles/archeologyatfora.htm). Fort Raleigh National Historic Site rangers will provide educational information at the dig site from 1:45-2:45 p.m. daily, from Sept. 15-24, weather permitting. **Tags:** [archaelogy](https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/news-releases.htm?q="archaelogy"#fq\[\]=Date_Released%3A\[NOW-20YEARS%20TO%20NOW\]), [archaeological dig](https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/news-releases.htm?q="archaeological dig"#fq\[\]=Date_Released%3A\[NOW-20YEARS%20TO%20NOW\]) [RSS Feed](https://www.nps.gov/feeds/getNewsRSS.htm?id=fora) | [What is RSS? ](https://www.nps.gov/feeds/rss-help.htm) Last updated: September 13, 2021 ## Park footer ### Contact Info #### Mailing Address: Fort Raleigh National Historic Site 1401 National Park Drive Manteo, NC 27954 #### Phone: 252 473-2111 #### [ Contact Us ](/fora/contacts.htm) ### Tools * [ FAQ](/fora/faqs.htm) * [ Site Index](/fora/siteindex.htm) * [ Español](/fora/espanol/index.htm) ### Stay Connected * This Site * All NPS Experience Your America. 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