Since Riverside’s purchase by Jefferson County in 1989, archaeology has played an important role in its development and its goal to interpret the past and connect the public with history. An initial survey to locate archaeological resources was completed at that time by the University of Kentucky. This survey discovered that Riverside has a very rich and diverse archaeological history that includes the remains of 19th century outbuildings and prehistoric campsites thousands of years old.
Since then, Riverside has teamed with the Kentucky Archaeological Survey to research its rich archaeological resources and involve the public in the process of uncovering history. The focus of archaeological research at Riverside has been on the location, excavation, and interpretation of outbuildings. These outbuildings were important features upon the historical landscape of the Riverside plantation and farm.
