GUILDFORD’S much loved 1897 Post Office is ready to reveal a new layer of its story – and the community is invited to help uncover it.

Hosted by Bilgoman Property, with support from the Swan Guildford Historical Society and the University of Notre Dame Australia, the excavation will run from Saturday, August 8 to Monday, August 10.

Participants can be part of living history and work alongside archaeologists, students, society volunteers, and heritage supporters in small two-hour sessions exploring Guildford’s past.

Led by Swan Guildford Historical Society vice president and Notre Dame archaeology senior lecturer Shane Burke, the excavation will investigate the site of the former Convict Depot Hospital and historic well at the rear of the post office.

What lies beneath may reveal the everyday traces of people who lived, worked, recovered, laboured, and passed through the site.

“We know the historical record of the site’s general use, but history does not describe all functions or small details about people’s lives. The community excavation will discover artefacts that will give a richer understanding of the area’s use,” Dr Burke said.

“By undertaking this dig, with the Swan Guildford Historical Society and University of Notre Dame Australia, and inviting the local community to participate, we feel we are demonstrating our commitment to honour and preserve the heritage of Guildford and to reactivate the Post Office to serve the Guildford community in a meaningful way,” Bilgoman Property’s Chris McLoughlin said.

Small public sessions are available across three days on Saturday, August 8 from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, Sunday, August 9 from 9.30am to 11.30am and 12.30pm to 2.30pm and Monday, August 10 from 9.30am to 11.30am.

If you don’t wish to participate in the excavation but are interested in learning about archaeology and what is involved in an excavation, you are welcome to come along to view the works.

Register early as places are limited.