Archaeology

The Freedmen’s Town Archaeology Program, sponsored by Rutherford B.H. Yates Museum, Inc., preserves the material past of Houston’s Freedmen’s Town. Since the program’s establishment two decades ago by Dr. Carol McDavid (PhD), Dr. David Bruner (PhD), and Robert Marcom (MA, RPA), thorough investigative archaeological research expands public’s understanding of African Diaspora archaeology that relates to how Freedmen’s Town historic community lived and thrived. We conduct research on the 11 historic properties that are under the ownership and protection of the Museum. Our archaeological sites are officially recognized by and incorporated into UNESCO’s ongoing “Routes of Enslaved Peoples: Resistance, Liberty and Heritage” Project.

The Archaeology Program’s research process consists of historical research, mapping, surveying, excavation, soil analysis, and artifact analysis. Years of excavating has resulted in a collection of over 3,000 artifacts, many of which are still unprocessed. Most recently, an excavation was conducted on the Stanton Lot Archaeological Site during the summer of 2021 by a team of Lonestar College students under the supervision of Dr. Bruner. The Freedmen’s Town Archaeology Program is currently processing the artifacts found at the Stanton site.

Schools such as Rice University, the University of Houston, Houston Community College, and Lonestar College have collaborated with RBHY to conduct their accredited archaeology field methods courses on the Museum’s historic properties. In addition to collaborating with local institutions, Freedmen’s Town Archaeology Program advocates for community-based research by collaborating with the Freedmen’s
Town community on the continuing archaeological research. This includes inviting community members to participate in ongoing excavations and lab work, integrating oral history as a key component of our historical research, giving presentations on research findings, and offering archaeology courses to students and youth organizations.

For information on our upcoming archaeology course/workshop offerings, contact:
xavier.f.nealcarson@gmail.com