RVA Archaeology and the Changing Discourse of Archaeology in Richmond

Summary

Central to community conversations about the economic development of Shockoe Bottom was the general concession that any indication of significant archaeological findings would result in efforts to accommodate this possibility before development.  Recognizing that conversations about archaeology did not feature the significant "voice" of archaeologists, the community convened a day-long symposium on the history and archaeology of Shockoe Bottom.  This gathering led to the formation of RVA Archaeology, an organization consisting of local archaeologists and concerned citizens.  Since its formation, conversations about archaeology in Richmond have become louder and more informed as the organization has become active in public discourse. This paper will discuss the founding of RVA Archaeology, including motivations behind its formation and design, and conclude with a discussion of the benefits of collaborations between archaeologists and local communities for civic engagement and empowerment.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Digging the River City: Richmond Archaeology Past, Present, and Future   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2016

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Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 788