In a nod to the adage that history is always underfoot, archaeologists digging at Michigan's Colonial Michilimackinac have unearthed a brass ring hailing from the 18th century. The brass trade ring, referred to at times as a "Jesuit Ring," was discovered within the demolition rubble of 1781, this historical relic reminds us of the ongoing dialogue between past and present. An official with the Mackinac State Historic Parks assessed the find as "strictly secular trade goods," positioning the ring firmly within the commercial rather than the spiritual life of the era.

The excavation, which is part of one of the longest archaeology programs in North America—initiated in 1959—has unearthed not just the ring but a treasure of items that piece together the lifestyle and trade of the time. The dig at the fort commenced on May 28 and is expected, weather permitting, to continue through August 17. Importantly, the dig site has been a fertile ground for artifacts for years, with finds including a Compagnie des Indes lead seal, structural remnants from the original 1715 fort, and varied household goods, each contributing a chapter to Colonial Michilimackinac's rich narrative. According to a report by UpNorthLive, such discoveries are drawing a nuanced picture of life at the historic fort and trading post.

The current dig is centered on House E of the Southeast Rowhouse, which has been an archaeological point of interest since 2007. Here, archaeologists have been meticulous in uncovering the layers of habitation, revealing an intricate past that includes personal ornaments, weaponry components, and ceramics. The fort, a fur trading village active for more than sixty years during the 18th century, has through these excavations provided insight into commerce and the daily living of its inhabitants. As reported by CBS News Detroit, costumed interpreters now enhance the visitor experience with demonstrations and tours, bridging the gap between archaeological findings and public historical education.

Delving below the soil, the excavation team often works alongside the narratives of the traders who would call the site home. In turn, visitors to Michilimackinac get to witness a live discovery process, one that has so far yielded over a million artifacts. This season's finds add to an ever-growing inventory of the mundane and the culturally significant, from practical goods to items of personal adornment. Descriptions of this year's finds, as reported by WOOD TV, emphasize the depth of information such ground-breaking work can offer scholars and history enthusiasts alike.

Ultimately, each recovered artifact like the brass trade ring adds a new layer of understanding to the collective memory of Colonial Michilimackinac. The dialogue between past and present is continually enriched by these ongoing digs, providing a tangible connection to the storied history of Michigan's Lower Peninsula at the dawn of America's trade era.