Baldwin Home Cookhouse Archaeological Dig Underway in Lahaina
The original adobe cookhouse at the Baldwin Home in Lahaina, Maui is the subject of an archaeological excavation supported by the Sam & Mary Cooke Preservation Fund for Hawai‘i, a grant program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in cooperation with Historic Hawai‘i Foundation.
The Lahaina Restoration Foundation is conducting research to prove (or disprove) written accounts and physical evidence that indicate that an adobe cook house was located near the mission home that was built in 1834. The archaeologists started work the week of March 16, 2020.
Historic documentation includes a firsthand written account by Dr. Baldwin’s grandson as to the existence of the cookhouse, its general location and that it was built of adobe. LRF also has a hand drawn diagram by Dr. Baldwin showing the location and dimensions. Visible stones laid in a straight row in the vicinity could be evidence of the foundation.
The archaeological excavation includes public viewing of the dig in progress and discussions with the archaeologists on their methods and findings. The project report will be used to incorporate information into the historic home tour. If the location is confirmed, a future project may be to reconstruct the lost cook house.
Photos courtesy of Lahaina Restoration Foundation.