BOSTON: Archaeologists in Boston are digging at a boyhood home of Malcolm X in an effort to uncover more about the about slain black rights activist’s early life.

The two-week archaeological dig began Tuesday in Boston’s historically black Roxbury neighborhood.

Organizers say they also hope to learn more about the property’s long history, which includes uses as a farm and possibly Native American settlement. Members of Malcolm X’s family and community residents are expected to help Boston’s Archaeology Lab and researchers from the University of Massachusetts-Boston undertaking the excavation.

A ground-penetrating radar survey will be used this week to determine the best locations to dig and major excavation work is expected next week. The site will be open to the public throughout to observe the work.

The former Malcolm Little lived with his sister’s family at 72 Dale St. as a teenager in the 1940s.

The two-and-a-half story home, built in 1874, is currently owned by Rodnell Collins, a nephew of Malcolm X who hopes the survey can raise public awareness of his family’s history as he looks to convert the home into a residence for graduate student community volunteers.

The only surviving dwelling from the outspoken activist’s formative years in Boston was designated a city landmark in 1998.

“No physical move in my life has been more pivotal or profound in its repercussions,” Malcolm X wrote in his autobiography about his time in Boston. “All praise is due to Allah that I went to Boston when I did. If I hadn’t, I’d probably still be a brainwashed black Christian.”