Fairfield is the 17th- and 18th-century plantation and ancestral home of the Burwell family and represents an historical site of great importance to Gloucester County and Virginia. A large brick manor was constructed at Fairfield in 1694, and stood until it was destroyed by fire in 1897. As the home of one of Virginia's most prominent and influential families and a signature example of colonial plantation culture, this National Register and Virginia Historic Landmark property encompasses a complete cross section of Gloucester County's history. The goals of the Fairfield Foundation are to excavate and preserve the remains of the plantation and to educate and involve the public in this endeavor.

Public education and preservation form the cornerstones of the foundation's goals. Research at Fairfield is contributing significantly to current knowledge about plantation life, specifically during Gloucester County's "Golden Age" of 1675-1725, which coincides with the height of Fairfield's prosperity. Sharing this knowledge with the public will increase the awareness of significant archaeological resources within the county and the importance of this period to our history. Public outreach and educational programs serve as examples of how to properly investigate, interpret, and preserve historic resources within the county.

Preservation of the site is of equal importance to archaeological research. Excavations are inherently destructive and significant portions of the site must therefore be preserved so future generations will have the opportunity to analyze them with new methods and technologies. The importance of Fairfield plantation, with its diverse occupants and intact archaeological remains, demands that excavations conducted here be done professionally and responsibly. By focusing on multiple facets of plantation life and culture, educational enrichment will continue through a changing program of public outreach and interaction. Excavations at this significant property serve as a powerful symbol of the county's rich heritage as it prepares for the celebration of Jamestown's founding in 2007.