The foundation of the shoyket’s house is visible at the site.
Photo: Kelley Berliner / TAC
The New England Hebrew Farmers of the Emmanuel Society Archaeological Preserve in Chesterfield, Connecticut, contains the remains of a historic Jewish settlement founded in the late 19th century. In addition to archaeological deposits, the site has the foundations of a synagogue and a house of its shoyket, or ritual butcher. Archaeological research revealed the house to have a mikveh, or ritual bath, a unique feature for this period in what would have been a rural community. The Conservancy worked with the descendant community to acquire the site and continue its preservation in 2022.
As part of the donation agreement, Conservancy staff agreed to fund and manage rehabilitation work on the foundation walls of the shoyket’s house to ensure they remain standing for years into the future. After reviewing structural assessments and recommendations, that work will include thoroughly removing intrusive vegetation in the foundation cracks and around the walls, repointing mortar on the walls, repairing cracks and re-setting stones, and applying a mortar wash to the top of the wall to assist with protecting the materials. Further, a cover that had been placed to protect the mikveh will be adjusted to improve drainage. These efforts have been guided by the Preserve’s Management Committee, which includes staff from the Conservancy staff and the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office, affiliated preservationists, and members of the descendant community. Work on the site will be undertaken by a skilled mason and is expected to begin this spring.
