Archaeology is trash. There, I said it. Before you call Mr. Jones and have me thrown in a pit of snakes, let me explain. Generally speaking, archaeology focuses on understanding the past through the items that people left behind, i.e., their trash. Most of the things we find are left around because they were broken … Continue reading One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s TPQ: Modern Materials in Archaeological Excavations
trash
Of Mice and Men: A brief exploration of rodents’ history in America
A pest is a broad term for any organism that spreads disease, causes destruction, or is generally a nuisance. In the 21st century, we still constantly battle pests from squirrels who chew through your internet cables or spiders who set up house in the high corner of the ceiling, watching and judging you to evil … Continue reading Of Mice and Men: A brief exploration of rodents’ history in America
Colonial Grossology [Video]
Looking back in time, people’s personal hygiene, fashion choices, medical treatments, and more can seem disgusting. When confronted with gross practices, our first reaction can be to dismiss our ancestors as primitive, ignorant, or just silly. Before such judgments, however, we should try to understand the reasons behind these practices and recognize that our own … Continue reading Colonial Grossology [Video]
Time for Some Trash Talk: The Social Role of Garbage at Historic Kenmore
Editor’s Note: Looking back in time, people’s personal hygiene, fashion choices, medical treatments, and more sometimes look, at the very least, bizarre, if not outright disgusting. When confronted with these weird or gross practices, our first reaction can be to dismiss our ancestors as primitive, ignorant, or just silly. Before such judgments, however, we should try … Continue reading Time for Some Trash Talk: The Social Role of Garbage at Historic Kenmore
Lecture – The Social Role of Garbage in Colonial Virginia [Video]
On Tuesday, May 21, 2019, Dave Muraca, Director of Archaeology at The George Washington Foundation, presented "The Social Role of Garbage in Colonial Virginia," the final talk in this year's annual lecture series. Dave presented three case studies in 18th century garbage disposal at George Washington's Ferry Farm, Colonial Williamsburg, and Historic Kenmore. Thanks to … Continue reading Lecture – The Social Role of Garbage in Colonial Virginia [Video]
Lives & Legacies 