Gerry said his class syllabus was planned before he knew of the renovations but that he was excited when he learned of the prospect.

"My reaction was 'Fantastic!'" Gerry said. "Students get to work, and it's a lot of fun to have class outside."

Gerry said the Yard is a "great training ground," especially for undergraduates.

This dig is the latest in a long series of excavations in and around the Yard. New MBTA tunnels in 1979 led to excavations on the gate side of Wadsworth, according to Gerry, who is also the senior tutor in Quincy House.

The first Harvard dorm, "Old Harvard," was located in front of Grays Hall and in use from 1638-1695. It was excavated extensively in the late 1980s. Finally, waterline excavations in 1992 had archaeologists trailing after the backhoe, studying remains that were uncovered on the western side of the Yard.

Though his class's excavations have concluded, Gerry said the site will not be filled and that he encourages alumni and students to visit it.