City Creates Archaeological Archive Of Items Dating Back Up To 8,000 Years

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Wherever you are in New York City, something was there before.

Now, the city has created an archive of relics from its past, and WCBS 880's Alex Silverman got to see it.

In a bare concrete sub-basement just a block off Times Square lies a million pieces of New York City's past.

Amanda Sutphin, director of archaeology for the Landmarks Preservation Commission, said the artifacts go "from 8,000 years ago through the early 20th century."

The commission has gathered all its finds in one place for the first time.

Among the objects in the vault is a sealed bottle that was used by Benjamin Fletcher, governor in the 1690s.

"He was recalled for consorting with pirates," Sutphin said.

Also in the archive is a huge oyster shell measuring about 12 inches across.

The items are cataloged for the public to pursue at nyc.gov/archaeology.