Fragments of Student Life: An Archaeometric Approach to Life on College Hill, Brown University, Providence, RI

Summary

Since 2012, Brown University has conducted annual excavations on College Hill with the aim of understanding diachronic changes in the campus’ physical environment and student activities. This poster presents the results of archaeometric research conducted on a variety of artifacts (ceramic, glass, and metal) excavated from a single context abutting Hope College dormitory (constructed 1822). The artifacts were analyzed using p-XRF, optical microscopy, SEM, and EDS, in order to understand their intended function and process of manufacture. This high-resolution, localized, and scientific approach significantly enhanced the understanding of College Hill at a specific moment in time, while also demonstrating continuity in student activities there from the dorm’s construction to the present. Of particular interest is a ceramic drain pipe sherd, the analysis of which has helped to refine the picture of Hope College’s architectural history, contextualizing it in more general infrastructural trends in 19th century New England.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Poster Submission 2016   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2016

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 446