NORTH ATTLEBORO - In celebration of Massachusetts Archaeology Month, the North Attleboro Historical Commission will sponsor an event on the history of Mann Family Burial Ground.

Archaeologist Barbara Donahue will present her recent research on the burial ground at 1 p.m. on Oct. 19 at the Draper Avenue site. The event is free and open to the public.

On the east side of Route 1 in the Old Town section of North Attleboro, the Draper and Mann families struggled with life and work, and were buried in the small family plot dated from the late 18th century and currently cared for by the town.

Research began last year, after a private donation enabled the historical commission to develop a cemetery preservation plan. Using a combination of historical research and ground-penetrating radar, Donahue pieced together the story of the family and their influence on the Old Town neighborhood.

Donohue's talk will outline the results of her research and historical commission members will be on hand to discuss the future plans for protecting the burial ground. Copies of the preservation plan are available for review at the historical commission offices in town hall. For directions to the burial ground located on the north side of Draper Avenue, between Route 1 and Old Post Road, contact the historical commission at 508-699-0152 or 508-695-4466.