African-American In-Ground Vaults: An Investigation Into Differential Burial Practices Identified Through A Public Archaeology Initiative

Summary

Historic cemeteries are some of the most threatened cultural resources in the state of Florida; of these, historic African-American cemeteries are most at risk. Subject to neglect, rapid urbanization, and the loss of community remembrance, these sites are in need of immediate preservation efforts. This paper discusses investigations into these sites through the work of the Florida Historic Cemeteries Recording Project (FLHCRP), a volunteer-driven effort overseen by the Florida Public Archaeology Network. Data collected are allowing us to investigate the pronounced predilection for surface-level vaulted interments in African-American cemeteries in many parts of Florida. This interment choice is in marked contrast to coeval White cemeteries. Our preliminary investigation into interment style focuses on the possibility of cultural continuity surrounding burial customs borne to the Americas during the era of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• "Spirits of the Dead": The Historical Archaeology of Cemeteries and Commemoration   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2016

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Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 738