African American Archaeology

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Illinois, USA
Reconstructing African American Heritage in Central Illinois

Explore Hopkins Park—an African American community first settled in the mid-19th century by black settlers looking to escape slavery—with Field Museum Curator Chap Kusimba and Scott Demel, former Head of Anthropology Collections Management. You'll be inspired by their work with junior high students at the Lorenzo R. Smith School, who helped conduct excavations of important archaeological sites in the area to learn more about their hometown's rich history.

Check out the 2007 Expedition Archive, where you can read dispatches describing the team's excavations and view photos showing the student's progress and the discoveries they made during their summer program!