A second archaeological study will start Friday at the historic Abyssinian Meeting House in Portland's East End.

The Committee to Restore the Abyssinian has hired an archaeologist to uncover and record historic features within the foundation of the 180-year-old building.

Preparation for the dig will begin Friday and continue Saturday. Previous archaeological work focused on the lot surrounding the house.

Built in 1828, the Abyssinian is the nation's third-oldest church building established by a black congregation, after churches in Boston and Nantucket.

The building on Newbury Street is a local, state and national historic site, as well as the only Maine property in the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

For more information, visit www.abyme.org or call 829-4995.