Historical Research on Excavation Area

We’ve done tons of background research into John Brown and his family, and we’ve also probably excavated tons of soil from the John Brown House yard. BUT, it seems like much of what we’re finding is, in fact, more directly related to the former Brown/Ives house rather than the standing John Brown House household. Of course, the Brown family history remains useful and relevant because the corner house did belong to Brown family members. Your task is to find out as much information as possible about the structure(s) that once stood on the corner of Benefit and Charlesfield Streets, in what is now the John Brown House yard.

To do this, you should return to the City Hall archives, and the RIHS library. You will also find Sanborn fire insurance maps useful. Draw upon many of the leads laid out in the midterm projects of your classmates. Your final report should present a detailed summary of your findings, situate – and interpret - the archaeological excavations within the context of the former structures in these areas. You should draw on specific archaeological features, images, or finds whenever possible in these interpretations.

Syllabus / 2008 Class Members and Field Blogs / Readings / Critical Responses / 2008 Excavation & Unit Summaries / Sample Field Forms / 2008 Images / References & Resources / 2008 Midterm Projects / 2008 Final Projects