Virginia Archaeologists Unearth Mysterious Ruins of America’s Oldest Schoolhouse for Black Children—A Hidden Chapter of History Revealed
The more modern artifacts likely originate from the building’s time as a dormitory for women in the 1920s. One object is a piece of glass with a depiction of the Roman goddess Minerva, a deity of wisdom, justice, and war.
William & MaryThe piece of glass featuring the Roman goddess Minerva.
“We know that the girls at Brown Hall were furnishing their dorms,” senior researcher Michele Brumfield said. “So maybe they were bringing in things like this.” That said, more research is needed to confirm this theory.
How The Story Of America’s Oldest Schoolhouse For Black Children Lives On
William & MaryArtifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries found at the site.
Following the discoveries, William & Mary University is planning to incorporate the schoolhouse’s history into the renovated Gates Hall.
A permanent exhibit about the Williamsburg Bray School will be co-curated with members of the Williamsburg Bray School Descendant Community and others. It will feature artifacts found in the newly discovered cellar.
There are also plans to outline the building’s original foundation along the floor of the hall. In addition, the college wants to excavate part of the foundation to be on display for the exhibit, if they’re able to do so.
Other artifacts found at the site will be sent to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation to be included with related artifacts on display there.
“This is exciting,” Lee said. “What else are we about to learn? We are not done understanding the history of the Williamsburg Bray School, the history of Black education. We are not done learning the history of this area, and we are certainly not done learning the history of this country.”
Post Comment