Unearthing Local History Through Community Archaeology

Story by The Penn Museum, 3260 South Street Philadelphia, PA 19104

Introduction

Community archaeology is a fascinating intersection of local history and active participation, allowing residents to connect with their heritage like never before. This approach not only uncovers the hidden stories beneath our feet but also creates lasting bonds within communities.

*Neighborhood destruction along the 3600 block of Filbert Street, May 5, 1968; photo by Jack Tinney/George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection.*

The Roots of Heritage West Project

The Heritage West project, initiated by Penn Museum archaeologists in 2019, aimed to shine a spotlight on local archaeological resources by engaging community members. Unlike traditional archaeology often focused on distant lands and bygone eras, this project concentrates on the rich history that lies within University City, highlighting the importance of the local Black Bottom community.

Listening to the Community

At the essence of the project is the involvement of locals. Initial discussions with community organizations such as the Black Bottom Tribe Association and HopePHL laid the groundwork for the focus on the Black Bottom, an area formerly teeming with life before significant urban redevelopment in the 1960s.

Documenting Memories

As part of the project, collaborative timelines were created at public events, allowing community members to share their memories and knowledge of the neighborhood’s history. This dialogue not only enriches the archaeological data but also strengthens community ties, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among residents.

*Community members add their own memories of West Philadelphia to our collaborative timeline during the Penn Museum’s Juneteenth Celebration; photo courtesy of Heritage West.*

Excavation Begins

The project advanced into its excavation phase in 2023, with a strategic focus on a parking lot of the Community Education Center, which was recognized as one of the last remaining, unpaved sites in University City. Historical research confirmed that this area previously housed homes dating back to the late 19th century.

The Friends Meeting House labeled on this 1895 Atlas of the City of Philadelphia now houses the CEC. Behind it, there were two wooden twin homes along 35th St. marked in yellow and three brick rowhomes along Warren St. marked in red; Bromley and Bromley, 1895 Atlas of the City of Philadelphia, Athenaeum of Philadelphia.

Tools for Discovery

With the necessary permissions, the archaeological team employed geophysical surveys to locate the remains of the homes that once stood there. These methods serve as critical tools in archaeology, managing to unveil the past without disturbing the soil excessively.

*Dr. Chad Hill conducting geophysical survey with a ground-penetrating radar instrument at the CEC site before excavation began; photo courtesy of Heritage West.*

Engaging Local Scholars

Throughout the excavation process, a unique educational opportunity was offered. Students from the Penn course “Digging in the City of Brotherly Love” and various community members worked side by side, learning practical excavation methods, a rare opportunity outside of academic institutions.

Community archaeologist Erik Weaver draws a map of the excavation unit in front of the CEC based on measurements given to him by student archaeologist Faruq Adger. Graduate student Robert Bryant supervises; photo courtesy of Heritage West.

Findings and Their Significance

The excavation revealed an array of artifacts, from household items to architectural remnants, shedding light on the daily lives of the Black Bottom residents. Each artifact holds the potential to trigger memories and stories from longer ago than living memory, weaving them into the larger historical narrative.

Community Involvement

During the excavation season, Fridays became dedicated to digging while community members, students, and volunteers collaborated on the findings. Events were held to invite the public in, allowing past residents to recount their stories and ensuring the community’s voice remained prevalent throughout.

*Community archaeologist Lijnus excavates within the privy with help from Project Co-Director Dr. Sarah Linn; photo courtesy of Heritage West.*

Working Together in the Lab

Post-excavation, the project moved into the lab phase, where around 30 community and student workers meticulously cleaned, sorted, and analyzed over 19,000 artifacts. This collaborative effort was pivotal in bolstering transparency and instilling a sense of accomplishment among participants.

Ongoing Analysis and Future Plans

Even though excavation may seem like the crux of archaeological work, much of the labor lies in analyzing collected materials. The process not only assists in understanding the neighborhood’s previous inhabitants but also promotes the documentation of oral histories, tying them back to the physical artifacts uncovered.

*Project staff, students, and community members work together in the Penn Department of Anthropology’s North American Archaeology Lab to catalog materials; photo courtesy of Heritage West.*

Megan C. Kassabaum, Ph.D., is Weingarten Associate Curator of the American Section and Associate Professor of Anthropology. Sarah Linn, Ph.D., is Associate Director of Academic Engagement. Douglas Smit, Ph.D., is a Teaching Assistant Professor in Anthropology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Preserving and sharing insights gleaned from the excavation results will involve open conversations with the Community Advisory Board. Potential strategies may involve digital archiving, exhibitions, and community engagement to ensure findings are accessible to everyone.

Concluding Thoughts

Heritage West exemplifies the potential of community archaeology in bringing hidden histories to light, fostering connections between past and present generations. Projects like this, besides enriching local knowledge and identity, ultimately contribute to a broader understanding of urban development impacts on communities.

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