Discoveries on Campus: Archaeology in Harvard Yard

Summary

While many may immediately associate Stephen Williams with his work and interest in the prehistory of the Lower Mississippi Valley, the historic period also caught his attention. His interests ranged from historic aboriginal groups of North America to a variety of topics and periods within historical archaeology. Williams had a notable enthusiasm and concern for the archaeology of the immediate Cambridge area and was often a first point of contact when it came to local discoveries. He took particular interest in artifacts originating from the Harvard campus and was instrumental in advocating for and establishing systematic excavations within Harvard Yard. The excavations, begun in earnest in 1986, still continue today and serve to introduce a wide range of students to the excitement of archaeological field work while advancing our understanding of Harvard’s past. In addition to providing a glimpse of student and campus life through the centuries, the Harvard Yard excavations continue to yield valuable information about the location and construction of early college buildings. This paper highlights some of those discoveries.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 21527