THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
Time Team, the trailblazing British archaeology series, is set to reveal a treasure trove of ancestral revelations in its latest episode, based in a small English village called Modbury, near Plymouth in South Devon. However, this excavation doesn’t just focus on unearthing historical relics, it finds itself tracing the roots of one of America's most iconic legacies: the Stetson hat.
Last summer, Time Team dove headfirst into the annals of Modbury's history alongside local residents, volunteers, and community organizations. Led by finds specialist Dani Wootton and the presenter Gus Casely-Hayford OBE, the team embarked on a three-day excavation, unearthing Modbury's Medieval origins, its role in the English Civil War, and its surprising connections to far-flung corners of the globe.
In a unique element of this particular dig, Time Team followed the American dream as it tracked the ancestral journey of none other than Jim Stetson, direct descendant of the legendary Stetson hat creators. Jim's quest to unearth his roots brought him to Modbury, a stone’s throw away from Plymouth where the Mayflower first set sail for America, and where he discovered more than just artifacts – he found a piece of himself. In a moment of reflection, Jim shared:
“It was always amazing to think that there might be a link between these Stetson hats and a small English village. I wanted to make the journey to Modbury because Time Team were digging for physical evidence of my 12th generation ancestors. I was able to see the house they lived in, the church they attended, and even the very font where they were Christened. I got to see objects from everyday life that they would have used, and the documented evidence of many generations of Stetsons who made Modbury their home. To stand beside the archaeologists as their trowels uncovered artifacts from the 17th century, and to see them able to date it, was incredibly exciting. I also had time to explore the Stetson genealogy with Time Team ancestry expert Sophie Kay, and put together her information with the physical evidence we had found. These were the fields and buildings that were once part of my great ancestors’ lives, and for me to be able to walk amongst it, was like a portal to the past.”
As Time Team unearthed Modbury's secrets, they also delved into the history of the Stetson hat, highlighting its role in shaping American culture and identity. With cutting-edge techniques like geophysics and 3D digital modeling, Time Team peeled back the layers of Modbury's past, revealing hidden treasures and buried secrets.
Patreon members were treated to exclusive 'Dig Watch' updates throughout the weekend, providing a backstage pass to the excavation action. Now, the completed episode is poised to make waves across the pond, premiering in a three-part release on the Time Team YouTube channel, this weekend (Friday 5th, Saturday 6th, Sunday 7th) April, 7pm BST, with each day of the dig premiering over the three days consecutively.
