African American artifacts over 130 years old discovered during Albany archaeological excavation
African American artifacts over 130 years old discovered during Albany archaeological excavation
An archaeological excavation was completed on Monday in downtown Albany. They tried to find out more about the history of the Harlem neighbourhood in Albany.
The excavation took place in 300 blocks on West Highland Avenue. Archaeologist Anne Dorland said — “We do not just find their structures with bricks and nails and window glass, we ‘re finding a detailed record of their lives and we’re excited to tell the story,”.
They found glass and clay marbles, buttons and bottles. Dorland said— “We know that at least 1885 since people have started lived here. We ‘re in their backyard, “.
Dorland said it was African Americans who lived in the homes that stood there, over 100 years ago. She said it’s possible they were higher on the economic scale due to some of the things they found.
A residential cellar was discovered, it would have been associated with nearby homes.
This site will soon be covered back up.
The excavation is part of the new transportation center project.
A press release on the excavations and how you can help was recently sent out.
“New South Associates has been contracted by Niles Bolton Associates for the City of Albany to conduct archaeological excavations at a commercial and residential site in the downtown area.
A new transportation center will be built at the site location, which has been occupied since the nineteenth century and falls within the Albany Freedom Historic District.
The excavations will focus on the residential portion of the site that was inhabited by African Americans during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. We are looking forward to what the project can tell us about African American life in Albany.
During the excavations, a Facebook page dedicated to the project will provide updates on interesting finds and new information. New South Associates also seeks to interview current and former residents of the neighborhood for information on community and residential life.
After the fieldwork, analysis and reporting are complete, a public website will present the findings and conclusions.
This project receives funding from the Federal Transit Administration and we appreciate the efforts of all of the project participants and Georgia Department of Transportation in helping to bring this project to life.”