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City to launch archaeological dig at home of Malcolm X

Malcolm X spoke with media in 1962 on Intervale Street.Globe Staff/File

BOSTON — Archaeological digs in Boston often hunt for clues to the city’s colonial or Native American past.

On Tuesday the city will launch a probe into a more recent patch of history at the former home of civil rights leader Malcolm X in Roxbury.

Born Malcolm Little, he moved into the house at 72 Dale St. in 1941 as a teenager.

His time in Boston was difficult, but transformative.

He was sent to the state prison in Charlestown in 1946 on a burglary charge. It was there he was introduced to the teachers of the Nation of Islam.

The City Archaeology Lab will sift through the yard during the two-week dig with the Fiske Center for Archaeological Research, members of the activist’s family, and local residents.

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Above: The home where Malcolm X lived on Dale Street in Roxbury.Wendy Maeda/Globe Sraff/File

Map: Site of archaeological dig