ARCHAEOLOGY

GROUND TRUTH:

 ARCHAEOLOGY IN THE CITY

Synopsis: GROUND TRUTH is an archaeological term referring to the confirmation of written record by archaeological excavation.

This video follows the project on an eight-year endeavor to uncover the history buried in the First African Baptist Church Cemetery. This congregation of free blacks lived in a northeast urban community during the Antebellum period. The viewer shares the moment of discovery when workmen, using heavy machinery, uncover human remains. We follow the process from the initial preserving of the site to the final reinterment of the remains.

During the intervening years we get a glimpse of the meticulous process of archaeological research, and the painstaking work involved with the excavation.

Time: 35 min

Level: College

AMERICAN HISTORY?

IT’S BENEATH YOUR FEET!

Synopsis: AMERICAN HISTORY? IT’S BENEATH YOUR FEET! is a film defining the range of urban archeology, and the importance of preserving the information available on historic sites.

Through the use of selected examples, AMERICAN HISTORY: IT’S BENEATH YOUR FEET! demonstrates the way urban archaeologists develop an understanding of our history by using artifacts left behind by everyday Americans. Urban archaeologists study historical documents such as community records, tax records, wills, church records, and newspaper accounts. Digging for artifacts in the wells, privies, and foundations often uncovered on construction sites, urban archaeologists piece together the history that seldom makes it into the history books.

Time: 29 min

Level: High School-College