Ghosts in the Archives: Using Archaeology to Return Life to Historical Prostitutes

Summary

Studies in historical prostitution are uniquely poised to demonstrate the importance of partnership between historians and archaeologists. Sites of prostitution may be present in the historical literature; however, the transience of the women employed at these sites means that they often leave ephemeral traces in the written record. Though typically unable to illustrate individual actors within these sites, archaeology can help to reanimate the everyday lives of women in sex work. Using the 27/29 Endicott Street site In Boston’s North End, this paper aims to explore alternative methods, such as archaeology of the senses and sexuality, for expanding collaboration between historical and archaeological methods.   

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Streetwalkers, Fallen Doves, and Houses of Ill Fame: A Historical and Archaeological Discussion on Prostitution   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2016

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Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 434