Independence Mall excavation to be open for viewing

The viewing platform at the archaeological excavation of the former President's House on Independence Mall will be open today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., city and Independence Park officials announced. A park ranger will be available to respond to questions about the excavation, which has produced unexpected findings over the last several weeks.

Archaeologists have uncovered foundation walls from the house at Sixth and Market Streets where George Washington and John Adams conducted their presidencies in the 1790s. Walls of the kitchen, where Washington's much-esteemed chef, Hercules, worked alongside at least eight other presidential slaves, were also uncovered.

Archaeologists have also uncovered foundations for a bow window designed by Washington and believed to be the prototype of the oval rooms in the White House. Several feet away, they found the foundation for an underground passage that ran between the house and kitchen. The site has been open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The dig is expected to last until the end of the month. - Stephan Salisbury