Taking Their Water for New York City: Archaeology of Reservoir Communities

Summary

This is an abstract from the "The Past, Present, and Future of Water Supplies" session, at the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

It took New York City more than 100 years to construct its system of 19 reservoirs and controlled lakes. Archaeological survey of city-owned lands around these artificial water bodies reveal the ruins of what once was. Collaborations with community members and partnerships with local libraries, historical societies, and community cemeteries help to make sense of the dramatically altered landscapes. Together we have built new understandings of the local impacts of water harvesting and redirection. Reservoir creation can be a violent act that displaces people, plants, and animals. It can also create new habitats and places of wonder.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• The Past, Present, and Future of Water Supplies   •
• Society for American Archaeology 89th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (2024)

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 37919.0