LEARNing with Archaeology at James Madison’s Montpelier: Engaging with the Public and Descendants through Immersive Archaeological Programs

Summary

At James Madison’s Montpelier, the LEARN program (Locate, Excavate, Analyze, Reconstruct, and Network) provides visitors with an immersive, hands-on experience in the archaeological process. The week-long LEARN expedition programs for metal detecting, excavation, laboratory analysis, and log cabin reconstruction offer participants an in-depth view of how Montpelier examines, interprets, and preserves its archaeological heritage. This paper examines the efficacy of these programs in communicating the methodologies and relevancy of archaeology to members of the public with no prior archaeological experience. This paper particularly examines an excavation expedition held from April 12-17, 2015 for descendants of enslaved people and the dynamic created through collaboration between archaeologists and descendants with a keen interest in their history. During the course of the excavation, on-site interviews, roundtable discussion, and a groundbreaking ceremony, archaeology proved to be a catalyst for revealing and creating memories and for broader conversations about heritage and reclaiming the past.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2016   •
• Praxis and Value in Performing Archaeology: Heritage, Affect, and the Relevancy of Archaeological Research

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 829