What Lies Ahead… And Beneath: The Future of Archaeology at Colonial Williamsburg

Jack Gary, Executive Director of Archaeology at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Archaeology has been an integral part of the research, interpretation, and reconstruction of Colonial Williamsburg for almost a century. With so much work completed, and a collection of over 60 million artifacts, what can possibly be left to discover? Over the past five years Colonial Williamsburg’s archaeology department has embarked on numerous projects that are answering that question and proving that there is still an enormous amount to learn about life in 18th and 19th century Virginia. By asking new questions, employing new techniques, and incorporating the voice of the community, archaeology at Colonial Williamsburg is more relevant than ever. This talk will cover everything from the community engaged work being conducted on the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg to new discoveries at the iconic powder Magazine in the center of town. With 100 years of work almost behind us, it’s time to chart the course for the next 100 years of archaeological discoveries. The David F. Anthony Memorial Lecture is sponsored by Randolph College’s museum and heritage studies program. 5 p.m. Reception | 6 p.m. Lecture. FREE and open to the public.

Image: Jack Gary, Executive Director of Archaeology at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, archaeology dig at First Baptist Church site. For Trend & Tradition magazine, Winter 2021 issue.