Unearthing History at William and Mary University

Archaeologists at William and Mary University in Virginia have recently made some fascinating discoveries that are shedding light on an important piece of American history. They’ve uncovered remains linked to one of the oldest surviving school buildings for black children in the country.

The Associated Press reported that among the artifacts found were slate pencil fragments and gemstones, which hint at the lives of those who attended the school.

The structure in question was the Williamsburg Bray School, which, back in the 1760s, educated a large number of enslaved students as part of a system that aimed to justify slavery. It’s worth noting that later, the building was transitioned into a dormitory for some of the first women to attend college.

Tom Higgins, from the Center for Archaeological Research at William and Mary, noted that the cellar was excavated not long after the building’s foundation was laid, as some bricks weren’t aligned properly, indicating a potentially hasty construction.

Artifacts also included handmade pottery associated with the context of enslavement, along with shards of glass depicting Minerva, the Roman goddess known for wisdom, warfare, and the arts.

Katherine Lowe, president of William and Mary, remarked on the importance of these findings, saying, “The roots of our city and university are intertwined here.” She believes that each layer of history revealed offers valuable insights into America’s early republics, connecting past generations to the present.

The structure itself was identified by historians in 2020 and is currently undergoing restoration by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. It’s interesting to think about how these efforts might reshape our understanding of education and community in a time and place that often feels worlds away from today.