The Necessity of Archaeology in Creating Public Interpretations: Bringing a Global Perspective to Historic Charleston, SC

Summary

This is an abstract from the session entitled "Paper / Report Submission (General Sessions)", at the 2023 annual meeting of the Society for Historical Archaeology.

Interpretations at historic house museums are often so localized and detailed to cities or individuals that it is hard for visitors to grasp the truly global nature of human settlement throughout history. Charleston, South Carolina was a major port city in the 19th century; full of opulence, worldly society, and human oppression, all underpinned by generations of the African Slave Trade. The occupants of the Nathaniel Russell House directly participated in the Trade, and their experiences are lenses through which we can create a broader, more approachable understanding of 19th century urban America. Modern audiences are increasingly reaching for inclusivity, and Historic Charleston Foundation is pursuing more meaningful interpretation through the incorporation of important archaeological investigations in the Kitchen House dependency at the Russell House. We are synthesizing the current narrative with past research and this new unparalleled archaeological evidence to make global connections clear, and visitor experiences unforgettable.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• SHA 2023 General Sessions   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2023

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Nicole Haddow