Understanding African American Archaeology and Archaeological Education in Washington, DC through the Influences of Booker T. Washington

Summary

Since his speech to the Cotton States Exposition in 1895, Booker T. Washington has been an important, yet controversial figure in African American history and political thought. Washington’s speeches and writings, his personal relationships and visits to Washington, DC had a major influence on African American communities lying on the east side of the capital city during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This influence can be seen in the archaeology of these communities. Additionally, Washington’s ideas and historical presence affect how the past is taught to young people living in the greater Washington area. In this paper I will discuss how the work of Booker T. Washington can be used to theorize the archaeology of African American communities located east of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC and how this archaeology is taught to participants in a youth program called the Urban Archaeology Corps.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Archaeologies of the Written Word: Examining the Importance of Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Century Literature   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2014

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): SYM-28,06